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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

career

Founding Engineer-Vindexa

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

We automate the verification of Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements under the ... Independent operator who needs direction on priorities, not on how to execute. Strong Signals

career

Founding Engineer-Vindexa

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

We automate the verification of Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements under the ... Independent operator who needs direction on priorities, not on how to execute. Strong Signals

career

Founding Engineer-Vindexa

Santa Monica, CA

We automate the verification of Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements under the ... Independent operator who needs direction on priorities, not on how to execute. Strong Signals

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.

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Agua Dulce, CA

$103K - $123K/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

Topanga, CA

$108K - $129K/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

Agoura Hills, 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 Puente, 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 Los Angeles, CA

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$13

$23

$40

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $23.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $25.91 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 Los Angeles, CA? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:
What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you

Union Energy Storage Operator Apprentice - Gabriel

M. A. Mortenson Company

Irwindale, CA • On-site

$39.71 - $66.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Mortenson rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


SUMMARY
Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator Apprentice that will be responsible for operating equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Equipment certifications as required
  • Minimum one (1) year of related experience
  • Current driver's license of proper classification and necessary endorsements as required by law
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs.
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice.

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment.
The base pay range for this role is $39.71 - $66.71 per hour. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).
Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.
Please make note:
  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.

ABOUT MORTENSON
As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.
Let's Redefine Possible®
Equal Employment Opportunity
Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.
Other Items to Note
  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What Mortenson employees say

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M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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