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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Buda, TX (NOW HIRING)

Machine Maintenance Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary ... apprenticeship) * Basic understanding of mechanical systems (conveyors, motors, actuators, etc ...

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Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Buda, TX salary details

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How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Buda, TX is $20.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Apprentice Operating Engineers?

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 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.

What cities near Buda, TX are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Buda, TX with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Equipment Maintenance Technician

Base Power Company

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

About Base
Base is America's next-generation power company. We're rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization-electricity-by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today's fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.
About the Role
As a Maintenance Technician at Base, you'll play a hands-on role in ramping up our battery production lines - keeping the equipment running at full speed. You'll perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, and learn to interpret schematics and technical diagrams. Along the way, you'll document work, track parts and supplies, and operate safely with hand and power tools in a fast-paced, high-growth factory environment. This is a chance to gain exposure to advanced automation and robotics while building the skills to grow your career in modern manufacturing.
What You'll Do
  • Perform preventative maintenance (PM) on industrial production equipment
  • Assist with troubleshooting and repairing equipment issues
  • Support corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
  • Learn to read and interpret schematics, technical diagrams, and mechanical drawings
  • Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and help track parts and supplies
  • Operate safely with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment in a factory environment

What You'll Bring
  • 0-2 years of experience in maintenance, mechanical, or electrical work (or technical training/apprenticeship)
  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems (conveyors, motors, actuators, etc.) and electrical systems (AC/DC circuits, sensors, wiring)
  • Comfortable using basic hand tools and diagnostic equipment
  • Strong problem-solving mindset with willingness to learn advanced systems (robotics, PLCs, automation)
  • Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., standing/walking for extended periods, and performing work that requires bending, squatting, kneeling, or climbing
  • Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment

About This Team
The Maintenance team is the backbone that enables Base to scale battery production from prototype to thousands of units per year. Every hour of uptime you create directly translates to more batteries reaching customers and accelerating the energy transition. You'll be working on cutting-edge production lines where a single piece of equipment down can halt an entire manufacturing cell-making your ability to diagnose, repair, and prevent failures essential to Base's growth trajectory. This team offers a rare opportunity to build deep technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, and automation systems while seeing the immediate impact of your work: batteries rolling off lines you kept running, production records you helped set, and skills you developed that will define the future of your manufacturing career.
Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.
Our Values
  • First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.
  • Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.
  • Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.
  • Everyone's an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.
  • Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.
  • Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we're creating. We work in-person. It's not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.
  • Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.
Do the best work of your life at Base.