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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Killeen, TX

Pipefitter

Temple, TX

$23.50 - $30/hr

Lochridge-Priest is a family owned and operated company that has served the Central Texas area for ... We have our own Engineering team and a sheet metal shop, Advanced Sheet Metal. With offices in Waco ...

Pipefitter

Killeen, TX

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

Lochridge-Priest is a family owned and operated company that has served the Central Texas area for ... We have our own Engineering team and a sheet metal shop, Advanced Sheet Metal. With offices in Waco ...

Journeyman Electrician (Temple, Tx)

Temple, TX · On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/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 ...

READY MIX DRIVER

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

Pavements and Construction Equipment Helper Pavements and Construction Equipment Apprentice ... Engineer Equipment Operator ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ...

READY MIX DRIVER

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

Pavements and Construction Equipment Helper Pavements and Construction Equipment Apprentice ... Engineer Equipment Operator ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ...

Showing results 21-35

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Killeen, TX salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Killeen, TX is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $21.49 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?

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Killeen, TX? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Killeen, TX are:
What cities near Killeen, TX are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Killeen, TX with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Killeen, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,947 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Field Engineer - Data Center Construction

Sundt Construction, Inc.

Temple, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Assists the Project Engineer with being the technical source of information for the project. Responds to questions about drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and change orders and have responsibility for assisting in writing change orders, RFl's, meeting minutes, and reviewing Submittals. Maintains an effective and professional working relationship with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. This position includes three 'steps' (I, II and Senior), which provide for a progression of skill and experience. Step I is the entry level for individuals with a minimum of experience in this position.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assists Project Engineer in developing and maintaining as-built drawings and other work tasks and assists with or reviews and processes submittals, change orders, RFl's, and budget forecasting. Ensures the timely and appropriate generation, collection, distribution, storage, retrieval and ultimate disposition of meeting agendas, RFl's and daily reports.
2. Demonstrates an understanding of the project management plan (PMP) and is involved in support and execution of the plan. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the change management process and performs project scope activities and supports the project team to ensure the work needed to complete the project successfully.
3. Ensures the administration of the project quality management plan and demonstrates and reinforces a culture of safety throughout the project.
4. May assist in the calculation of daily production rates and unit costs for self-performed work. Participates in risk management including identification, analysis, response planning and monitoring and control on a project and demonstrates competency in understanding the environmental control processes for the project and takes corrective actions when necessary.
5. May be responsible for overseeing/managing the BIM (Building Information Modeling) Coordination between Subcontractors and Designers.
6. May be responsible for the documentation and submittal for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification of a building and for creating and updating Digital Record Drawings (ORD).
7. May provide lines, grades and layout as required for the project while maintaining an organized logbook.
8. May provide the following weekly quantities: maintains accurate quantity logs and reports quantities in compliance with the cost control manual. Completed logs are to be filed with the project files. Perform elements of the processes involved in budgeting and controlling costs so that the project can be completed within the approved budget. Demonstrates business acumen within area of responsibility. (Not all Field Engineers track quantities)
9. Provides support to superintendents required for the execution of the work and assists in the resolution of field problems as necessary.

Minimum Job Requirements
1. Ability to assume responsibility, interface and communicate with others is essential.
2. Entry-level position that normally requires a four-year construction-related degree or equivalent technical/field experience.
3. Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) proficiency.

Note: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

1. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, etc.)
2. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis
3. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
4. May use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a limited basis to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors
5. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures
6. Occasionally will climb stairs, ladders, etc.
7. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis
8. Will interact with people frequently during a shift/workday
9. Will lift, push or pull objects on an occasional basis
10. Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/workday.

Safety Level

Note: Jobs with the Safety-Sensitive designation are those that include tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others such as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing/maintaining the operation of any vehicle/equipment, the handling/disposal/transport of hazardous materials, or the handling/treatment/disposal of potentially flammable/combustible materials.

As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you're not just hiring on at a company, you're joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you'll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we're passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.

At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We're driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.

Benefit list:
  • Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
  • Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
  • Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Workplace Wellness Programs
  • Mental Health Program
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Employee-Owner Perks
  • Educational Assistance
  • Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program