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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Garden Grove, CA

ALIGN PRECISION

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Catia / Mastercam CNC Programmer (Aerospace and Defense)

Walnut, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Willing to work with operators on shop floor to troubleshoot and improve machining process ... From apprenticeship to leadership, our people are proud of the important work we do.

ABM Industries, Inc.

Certified Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$54.76/hr

Participate in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for facility ... Technical training, apprenticeship, or advanced certification in building operations, engineering ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Eastvale, CA

$103K - $124K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Modjeska, CA

$101K - $122K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Arcadia, CA

$104K - $124K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Commerce, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Arcadia, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Rosemead, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

La Habra, CA

$103K - $124K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Norwalk, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Azusa, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Paramount, CA

$103K - $124K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Westminster, CA

$101K - $121K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Alhambra, CA

$103K - $124K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Temple City, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Orange, CA

$105K - $126K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

La Mirada, CA

$99K - $119K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

La Palma, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$99K - $119K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Garden Grove, CA

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Garden Grove, CA salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Garden Grove, CA is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.33 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 Garden Grove, CA are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

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

Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Garden Grove, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,386 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Catia / Mastercam CNC Programmer (Aerospace and Defense)

ALIGN PRECISION

Walnut, CA • On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

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Align Precision rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

  • Ability in Fixturing Concepts and Designing using CAD system. ANA uses Catia Only I believe for this process.
  • Programing knowledge working with Forged materials.
  • Experience in working with Titanium, and other Exotic materials.
  • Tooling knowledge. Knows what tools should be used to cut what materials.
  • Multi axis programming abilities using 4th,5th,and 6 axes.
  • Software knowledge in Catia or Mastercam (both would be a plus) and Vericut a MUST
  • Strong understanding of Aerospace GD&T.
  • Willing to work with operators on shop floor to troubleshoot and improve machining process.
  • SolidWorks Exp. is needed

Company Description

Manufacturing excellence starts from within. Our teams collaborate and share knowledge across our facilities. We thrive through continual learning and mentoring. From apprenticeship to leadership, our people are proud of the important work we do.

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