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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Laurel, MD

M.C. Dean, Inc

Plumber 2 - DMV

Tysons, VA · On-site

Reports to the Shift Operating Engineer. * Responsible for maintaining and upgrading plumbing ... Completion of an Plumbing technical training program or recognized apprenticeship (preferred)

Eaton

Maintenance Apprentice - 2nd Shift

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$23.50/hr

We're proud to set the standard for engineering excellence while developing next-generation ... Knowledge of operating lift truck, material handling equipment, man lifts and hand tools. * This ...

Remington Hotels

Chief Engineer

Linthicum, MD · On-site

Vocational training, associate's degree, certification and/or apprenticeship in one or more area ... operating office equipment. * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Aerotek

Lead Building Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$83K - $93K/yr

Operations include servicing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating HVAC systems, electrical ... DLLR Mechanical Apprentice License or better or equivalent. Additional Skills & Qualifications

Aerotek

Lead Building Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$83K - $93K/yr

Operations include servicing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating HVAC systems, electrical ... DLLR Mechanical Apprentice License or better or equivalent. Additional Skills & Qualifications

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Colesville, MD

$97K - $117K/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

Woodlawn, MD

$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 ...

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All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Laurel, MD

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Laurel, MD salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Laurel, MD is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.85 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 Laurel, MD are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Laurel, MD with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Laurel, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $45,415 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Plumber 2 - DMV

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
License Requirement:
  • Completion of an Plumbing technical training program or recognized apprenticeship (preferred).
  • Journeyman License or ability to obtain one per program standards (within 6 months if not currently held).

Clearance Requirement:
  • Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, for access to classified information; Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance required.

Responsibilities
  • Maintains and upgrades plumbing equipment and piping.
  • Performs corrective and preventive maintenance on all plumbing-related equipment.
  • Reports to the Shift Operating Engineer.
  • Responsible for maintaining and upgrading plumbing equipment, piping, etc.
  • Performs corrective and preventative maintenance on all plumbing related equipment.
  • Other responsibilities include but are not limited to, installing and/or repairing various plumbing equipment (water heaters, drinking fountains, toilets, sinks, et.) throughout the facility.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED and 6+ years of commercial Plumbing experience
  • Commercial Plumbing experience as a truck-based service technician.
  • Experience working with complex Plumbing systems including chiller piping, boiler piping, hydronic piping and system troubleshooting, backflow preventers and pipe fitting and repair.
  • Completion of an Plumbing technical training program or recognized apprenticeship (preferred).
  • Journeyman License or ability to obtain one per program standards (within 6 months if not currently held).
  • Holistic understanding of Plumbing Systems and Plumbing design in commercial and industrial environments.
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance (applicants will undergo a government background investigation).
  • Requires a Valid driver's license. This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle.
  • Strong understanding of Plumbing tools, machines, and their proper maintenance.
  • Proficiency in using hand tools and test equipment to perform diagnostic and repair work.
  • Ability to complete timely documentation including maintenance reports, service tickets, and daily safety briefings.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation.
  • Ability to travel occasionally outside normal working areas; may require limited overnight travel.
  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to work independently, resourcefully, and safely.

Preferred experience:
  • Advanced troubleshooting skills down to the individual plumbing component level on boilers, chillers, AHUs, VAVs, heat pumps, and CRAC units.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical and plumbing drawings, schematics, and system plans.
  • Current Master Plumbing License or equivalent technical degree.
  • Current CFC/EPA Universal Certification
  • Strong customer-relation skills with ability to provide proactive recommendations to clients.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12-foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Pay Range
USD $35.00 - USD $42.00 /Hr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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