1

Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Fullerton, CA

Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Irvine, CA · On-site

$31.32 - $65.49/hr

... engineering applications and automated control systems. * Maintain daily operations of boilers ... Complete daily checks and maintain necessary operating records. * Perform PM maintenance and ...

Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31.32 - $56.95/hr

... engineering applications and automated control systems. * Maintain daily operations of boilers ... Complete daily checks and maintain necessary operating records. * Perform PM maintenance and ...

Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$31.32 - $56.95/hr

... engineering applications and automated control systems. * Maintain daily operations of boilers ... Complete daily checks and maintain necessary operating records. * Perform PM maintenance and ...

CMM Programmer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

CMM Programmer / Operator - Pomona, CA Pay: $25-35/hr based on experience Schedule: 2nd shift ... Technical degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience * Toolroom or precision ...

Experience in operating equipment like drills, hammers, ladders, saws, etc. * Knowledge of basic engineering and construction principles and methods * Able to work in a team * Able to read ...

Experience in operating equipment like drills, hammers, ladders, saws, etc. * Knowledge of basic engineering and construction principles and methods * Able to work in a team * Able to read ...

Experience in operating equipment like drills, hammers, ladders, saws, etc. * Knowledge of basic engineering and construction principles and methods * Able to work in a team * Able to read ...

... and engineering departments. Will provide technical knowledge on fixture and tooling repairs ... Apprenticeship or equivalent work experience * Capable of operating manual and cnc tool room ...

ID Grinder Machinist

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Work collaboratively with engineering, quality, and production teams Machine Operators * Operate ... Vernon, CA 90058 (Preferred) Required Qualifications * technical or apprenticeship training ...

Produces basic precision items beyond the capabilities of production machine operators. * Machine ... Studies sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information in order to determine ...

Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines ... operating CNC mills and lathes. * (with) completion of vocational training or an apprenticeship ...

Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines ... operating CNC mills and lathes. * (with) completion of vocational training or an apprenticeship ...

Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines ... operating CNC mills and lathes. * (with) completion of vocational training or an apprenticeship ...

CNC Operator

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Collaborate with engineering and fabrication teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM ... Skilled in operating CNC machinery, tooling, and precision measurement instruments. * Ability to ...

CNC Operator

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Collaborate with engineering and fabrication teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM ... Skilled in operating CNC machinery, tooling, and precision measurement instruments. * Ability to ...

Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines ... operating CNC mills and lathes. * (with) completion of vocational training or an apprenticeship ...

Showing results 41-60

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Fullerton, CA salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Fullerton, CA is $22.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $25.10 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 Fullerton, CA are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fullerton, CA with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Fullerton, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,789 per year, or $23 per hour.

Staff Equipment Maintenance Technician

Santa Ana, CA

Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 77,017 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Equipment Maintenance professional at Anduril, you will be instrumental in ensuring the continuous operation and peak performance of our advanced manufacturing equipment, particularly CNC machines. You will lead the development and execution of robust preventative maintenance programs, conduct complex troubleshooting, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to minimize downtime and maximize the efficiency of our production lines. Your expertise will directly contribute to our ability to rapidly innovate and deliver cutting-edge defense solutions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Develop, implement, monitor, and optimize planned preventative maintenance (PM) programs and conditionbased inspection schedules for CNC machines and ancillary production equipment.
  • Perform handson PM tasks, routine inspections, and corrective maintenance to ensure equipment remains productionready.
  • Conduct advanced diagnosis of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical faults; lead complex troubleshooting, disassembly, rebuild, modification, and testing to restore equipment to productionready condition.
  • Install, align, calibrate, commission, and upgrade new or modified equipment; validate performance and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
  • Lead root cause investigations for recurring or highimpact failures; define, implement, and verify corrective and preventative actions and document findings to prevent recurrence.
  • Manage critical spares and inventory, including stock monitoring, replenishment, and record keeping.
  • Provide technical leadership and structured training to maintenance teams; mentor less experienced technicians and guide repair escalation decisions.
  • Coordinate complex repair activities and improvement projects with production, engineering, quality, suppliers, and external service providers; act as a technical point of contact for significant equipment issues.
  • Lead or champion reliability, capability, and continuous improvement projects; quantify benefits, document outcomes, and implement sustainable improvements.
  • Ensure maintenance activities comply with site safety, quality, and regulatory standards; assess and mitigate operational and safety risks related to equipment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Multi-skilled experience with a strong electrical bias and advanced fault-finding capability across mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
  • 10+ years Experience with mechanical overhaul of precision equipment.
  • 10+ years Experience rebuilding/replacing precision spindles in CNC equipment.
  • 10+ years multi-axis complex equipment" rather than "robotics and 5-axis CNC machines".
  • 10+ years Experience with precision alignment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and PLC/HMI documentation.
  • 10+ years' post-apprenticeship experience working in a maintenance role on CNC machines in a production environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • HNC/HND or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or equivalent, or a Level 3 apprenticeship in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronic Engineering (or equivalent).
  • Significant experience with FANUC and/or Siemens operating systems.
  • Experience in fault finding/programming PLCs and HMIs.
  • IOSH Managing Safely certification.
  • Experience working in an AS9100 aerospace workplace.
  • Experience coordinating with suppliers and engineering teams on equipment upgrades and modifications.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media