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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

PURCHASING PLANNER 2

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$26.75 - $36.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

NNS Apprentice School graduate * Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate * Associate's Degree or ... AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business ...

PURCHASING PLANNER 2

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

NNS Apprentice School graduate * Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate * Associate's Degree or ... AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Summerville, SC · On-site

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and other Maintenance team members, the ... Technical degree, trade-school education, apprenticeship, or certificate in Industrial Maintenance ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Summerville, SC · On-site

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and other Maintenance team members, the ... Technical degree, trade-school education, apprenticeship, or certificate in Industrial Maintenance ...

Journeyman Electrician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$26.25 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and value engineering. Our solutions have uncovered significant savings for our customers when ... Holds responsibility for direct supervision/coordination of assigned helper/apprentice electricians ...

This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function. They are responsible for ... Assure that equipment is being maintained and operating in a safe manner. * Review historical ...

Journeyman Electrician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$26.25 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and value engineering. Our solutions have uncovered significant savings for our customers when ... Holds responsibility for direct supervision/coordination of assigned helper/apprentice electricians ...

Data Center Electrician

Summerville, SC · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function. They are responsible for ... Assure that equipment is being maintained and operating in a safe manner. * Review historical ...

Showing results 41-59

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Charleston, SC is $20.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $22.50 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 cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,866 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

PURCHASING PLANNER 2

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Goose Creek, SC • On-site

$26.75 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,712 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Req ID: 48117
Team: C202 BUS MGMT & ANALYSIS
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: to
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
Plans utilization of space and facilities for company consistent with requirements of organizational efficiency, and available facilities and funds. Plans, directs and manages all phases of equipment and machinery maintenance, facilities modification and building projects from establishment of design concepts through design and implementation. Ensures project requirements are defined, contract and contract changes are negotiated, operating budgets established, and financial terms/conditions of contract are identified. Acts as primary contact for facilities, and equipment and machinery maintenance, project activities and leads project reviews of cost, schedule and technical performance. Establishes milestones and monitors adherence to master plans, budgets and schedules. Identifies problems and develops solutions, such as allocation of resources or changing project scope. May coordinate the work of employees assigned to the project.
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of relevant exempt experience; Master's Degree and 1 years of relevant professional experience
One of the following may be used as equivalent to Bachelor's Degree to meet minimum qualifications:
  • NNS Apprentice School graduate
  • Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate
  • Associate's Degree or other formal 2 year program and 2 years of relevant exempt experience or 4 years of relevant non-exempt experience
  • Military Paygrade E-5 or above military experience
  • High School/GED and 4 years combined of Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience or other relevant exempt experience
  • High School/GED and 8 years combined of Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience or other relevant non-exempt experience

Nice to Have
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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