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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Germantown, WI

Machinist

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Essential Skills * Proficiency in programming and operating CNC machine tools for production ... Ability and willingness to mentor or assist less experienced machinists and apprentices. * Interest ...

... programming, setting up, and operating CNC machine tools to produce complex components. This ... or equivalent • Apprenticeship or vocational training in machining or manufacturing • ...

... programming, setting up, and operating CNC machine tools to produce complex components. This ... or equivalent • Apprenticeship or vocational training in machining or manufacturing • ...

... programming, setting up, and operating CNC machine tools to produce complex components. This ... or equivalent • Apprenticeship or vocational training in machining or manufacturing • ...

... programming, setting up, and operating CNC machine tools to produce complex components. This ... or equivalent • Apprenticeship or vocational training in machining or manufacturing • ...

... distribution of all operating and maintenance manuals to customer . * Strengthen customer ... engineering field, construction management, or completion of apprenticeship in a respective ...

... distribution of all operating and maintenance manuals to customer * Strengthen customer ... engineering field, construction management, or completion of apprenticeship in a respective ...

... distribution of all operating and maintenance manuals to customer. * Strengthen customer ... engineering field, construction management, or completion of apprenticeship in a respective ...

Showing results 41-60

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Germantown, WI salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Germantown, WI is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.47 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 Germantown, WI are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Germantown, WI with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Machinist

Waukesha, WI • On-site

Aerotek
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees

$52K - $70K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Machinist II



Job Description

The Machinist II programs and operates a variety of CNC machine tools to perform progressive machining operations on a diverse range of close-tolerance parts. This role requires a high degree of skill, strong machining techniques, and the ability to work independently while supporting production needs. The Machinist II typically specializes in one machining discipline such as milling, turning, vertical turning lathe (VTL), or machining centers, and may set up equipment, instruct less experienced machinists, troubleshoot issues, and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.

Responsibilities

  • Program and operate CNC machine tools to perform progressive machining operations on close-tolerance components.
  • Set up CNC machines, including lathes, milling machines, VTLs, and machining centers, for multiple jobs throughout the day to support primary production.
  • Interpret and work from blueprints, drawings, and specifications to ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
  • Select, install, and adjust appropriate fixturing, tooling, and workholding devices for each job.
  • Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and other gauges to inspect parts and verify adherence to tight tolerances.
  • Perform manual machining operations when required to support or complement CNC work.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues, make process adjustments, and refine programs or setups to improve accuracy, throughput, and tool life.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with shop standards and procedures.
  • Collaborate with and provide guidance to less experienced machinists, including assisting with setups and sharing best practices.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance machining processes and workflow.

Essential Skills

  • Proficiency in programming and operating CNC machine tools for production machining.
  • Demonstrated experience in CNC setup, including lathe setup, milling setup, and machining center setup.
  • Ability to set up and run multiple jobs in a single day in a fast-paced production machine shop environment.
  • Strong blueprint reading skills and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience with fixturing and workholding methods for a variety of part sizes and configurations.
  • Skilled use of precision measuring tools such as micrometers and related inspection equipment to verify tight tolerances.
  • Capability to perform manual machining operations when required.
  • Specialization in at least one machining discipline, such as milling, turning, VTL, or machining centers.
  • Solid troubleshooting skills to diagnose machining issues and make effective adjustments to programs, setups, or tooling.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience working in a production-oriented machine shop environment.
  • Comfort working with large parts that require individual machine setups rather than cell-based layouts.
  • Ability and willingness to mentor or assist less experienced machinists and apprentices.
  • Interest in ongoing professional development and growth within multiple levels of machining and programming roles.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, well-established operation that offers significant growth opportunities and room to develop your skills over time. The organization supports multiple levels of machinists and programmers, creating clear pathways for advancement. Experienced journeyman machinists are on staff, providing a strong foundation for apprenticeships and on-the-job learning. The culture emphasizes professional development, technical excellence, and long-term career progression, with a benefits package in development to further enhance employee support.

Work Environment

This position is on the second shift, Monday through Friday, offering a consistent and predictable schedule. The machine shop is clean and well-lit, providing a comfortable and safe environment for precision work. Due to the large size of many parts manufactured, machines are not arranged in cells; instead, individual setups are tailored to each job, giving machinists exposure to a variety of work and configurations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Waukesha, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $70720.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

401kHealth InsuranceDental InsuranceMedical Insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.


Aerotek logo

About Aerotek

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our "people are everything" spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and travel arrangement services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US