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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Lead Building Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE § 5+ years of related trade ... Journeyman or Master Electrician License, City Licenses, Operators License, Steam Engineers License ...

Machine Operator

Ashland, MA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Our trusted brands--Kidde Fire Systems and Kidde Fire Protection--deliver highly engineered fire ... Completion of a vocational/technical program or apprenticeship preferred. Kidde Fenwal, LLC. is an ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$13

$23

$40

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Boston, MA is $23.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice operating engineer?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operating engineer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by apprentice operating engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

Can you become an apprentice operating engineer with an apprenticeship?

Yes, becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically involves enrolling in an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include passing a skills assessment or physical exam. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a journeyman operating engineer certification and better job opportunities in the field.

Is an apprentice operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an entrance exam, and completing a structured apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Competition can be moderate, and relevant skills such as mechanical aptitude and safety awareness are important for entry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,764 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer I

Waltham, MA • On-site

EMCOR Facilities Services, Inc.
Facilities Support Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


EMCOR Facilities Services rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us

From commercial office space and manufacturing to multi-site retail portfolios, we manage and support over 1 billion square feet of facilities space for the nation's leading organizations. We provide comprehensive facility services ranging from mechanical maintenance and self-performed, site-based operations to energy-efficiency upgrades and supplier-managed interior/exterior maintenance.

Job Summary

The Facilities Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of building systems, utilities, and facility infrastructure within commercial, industrial, laboratory, or manufacturing environments. This role provides technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, controls, fire protection, utility, and Building Automation System (BAS) operations to ensure facility systems perform safely, efficiently, and reliably. The Facilities Specialist develops and executes preventive and predictive maintenance programs, monitors equipment performance, leads troubleshooting and repair efforts, manages vendor activities, and supports capital projects and facility upgrades. The role requires a highly skilled and self-motivated professional capable of balancing hands-on maintenance responsibilities with technical planning, project coordination, and operational support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Facility Operations & System Reliability - Operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot facility utility and building systems including: HVAC equipment and controls, Electrical distribution systems, Plumbing systems, Fire protection systems, Lighting systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), Compressed air systems

Utility infrastructure. Conduct regular shift rounds and facility inspections to identify issues, verify equipment performance, and maintain operational reliability. Monitor equipment conditions and take corrective actions to prevent failures and unplanned downtime. Support business continuity through proactive maintenance and responsiveness to operational concerns.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance - Develop, execute, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs. Create and maintain maintenance procedures, inspection routes, and equipment-specific task lists. Analyze equipment performance data to identify trends and opportunities for reliability improvements. Recommend maintenance strategy modifications to optimize asset lifecycle performance and reduce maintenance costs. Ensure timely execution and completion of assigned preventive maintenance activities.

Building Automation Systems & Utility Monitoring - Monitor and respond to Building Automation System (BAS) alarms and system notifications. Evaluate equipment operational trends and optimize system performance. Monitor utility consumption including: Electricity, Water, Natural Gas, Compressed Air, Steam and Heating Systems (where applicable), Identify opportunities for energy conservation, sustainability improvements, and operational efficiencies. Recommend initiatives to reduce operating costs while maintaining system reliability.

CMMS Administration & Documentation - Document maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, and findings within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Analyze maintenance history and recommend updates to preventive maintenance programs and equipment records. Maintain accurate technical documentation including: Equipment specifications, Maintenance histories

P&IDs, Single-line electrical diagrams, Calibration records, Operating procedures, Preventive maintenance schedules. Ensure facility records remain current, organized, and audit-ready.

Qualifications

Education

(HS Diploma, Under/Graduate Degree, etc.)

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Technical trade school certification, vocational education, apprenticeship training, or related post-secondary education preferred. Additional coursework in facilities management, engineering technology, building systems, or industrial maintenance is highly desirable.

Business Experience

(prior years work/related experience)

Minimum of four (4) years of experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, utility systems, industrial maintenance, or related technical roles. Experience supporting commercial, industrial, life sciences, manufacturing, healthcare, or institutional facilities preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and practical maintenance experience may be considered.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid driver's license required. Forklift Operator Certification required or ability to obtain. JLG/Aerial Lift Certification required or ability to obtain. Additional trade certifications or technical credentials are a plus

Language Skills

Ability to read, understand, and interpret safety procedures, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, blueprints, diagrams, and work orders. Ability to prepare routine reports, maintenance documentation, and professional correspondence.

Ability to effectively communicate with customers, coworkers, and management. Ability to calculate measurements, percentages, proportions, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply basic algebraic and geometric concepts to maintenance and repair activities. Ability to solve practical problems involving multiple variables in environments with limited standardization.

Technical Qualifications & Skills

Strong knowledge of: HVAC systems, Electrical systems and distribution, plumbing systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Fire protection systems, Mechanical equipment, Utility infrastructure

Ability to read and interpret: Blueprints, Schematics, Electrical diagrams, P&IDs, Technical manuals, Equipment specifications.

Experience using CMMS software and work order management systems. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Experience with BAS platforms, alarm management systems, and facility monitoring software.

Ability to utilize hand tools, power tools, electrical testing equipment, and mechanical diagnostic instruments. Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills. Understanding of maintenance planning, reliability principles, and predictive maintenance concepts.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; explosives; risk of radiation and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity EmployerAs a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledAffirmative Action Policy

Please review our Affirmative Action Policy.

Notice to Prospective EmployeesNotice to prospective employees: There have been fraudulent postings and emails regarding job openings. EMCOR Group and its companies list open positions here. Please check our available positions to confirm that a post or email is genuine. EMCOR Group and its companies do not reach out to individuals to help with marketing or other similar services. If an individual is contacted for services outside of EMCOR's normal application process - it is probably fraudulent.Geographic Disclosure

#EFS

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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