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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Springfield, MA

Operating under a collaborative "We are a Team" philosophy, Client emphasizes knowledge sharing ... apprenticeship program. With a tight-knit team of over 30 professionals, Client supports a growing ...

Operating under a collaborative "We are a Team" philosophy, Highland emphasizes knowledge sharing ... apprenticeship program. With a tight-knit team of over 30 professionals, Highland supports a ...

Nuclear Engineer

Springfield, MA

$98K - $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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

West Warren, MA

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Northampton, MA

$98K - $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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

South Deerfield, MA

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Hazardville, CT

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Rockville, CT

$94K - $113K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Tariffville, CT

$98K - $118K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Fiskdale, MA

$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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Holyoke, MA

$97K - $116K/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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Westfield, MA

$102K - $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 ...

Work closely with engineers, operators, and other maintenance staff to ensure proper operation and troubleshooting of capital equipment. * Train and assist Technicians and Apprentices in the proper ...

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Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$12

$21

$37

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Springfield, MA is $21.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.94 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, and why are they important?

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 Apprentice Operating Engineers?

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 cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,595 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Toolmaker Apprentice

Toolmaker Apprentice

American Outdoor Brands Corporation

Springfield, MA โ€ข On-site

$27.55 - $36.60/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Toolmaker Apprentice will train on how to use appropriate metal machining equipment such as surface grinders, Bridgeport manual milling machines & or CNC Milling Machines, manual and or CNC Lathes and OD Grinders. The apprentice will train on equipment to create and prototype product parts, components, fixtures, tooling, gauging and other machined items. He/she will learn how to take conceptual ideas all the way through final finish and assembly. The apprentice will also learn how to use proper equipment in which to measure tight tolerance parts within quality and production standards. In addition, the apprentice will train on how to use Solid Works models, select material and tooling, create drawings, read blueprints, produce CNC code and follow components through completion is required.

Pay: $27.55 to $36.60

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential duties include the following - other duties may be assigned:

  • Learning how to work from engineering drawings and concepts to mark out design on raw materials; cutting into shape using manually controlled machine tools (such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, jig borers and jig grinders) along with hand tools. Some tasks may require utilizing SolidWorks, CAM software, CNC machines and operator performed programming
  • Learning how to read blueprints and use necessary measuring devices to make or modify existing tooling, or tools for old or new job prints
  • Learning how to create die -making items and maintain existing dies; including punches, dies, steel rule dies and die sets
  • Learning how to troubleshoot machining processes and equipment problems
  • Working closely with engineering to create proto-type tooling and parts
  • Learning how to set up and operate all machines in tool room
  • Learning how to make set-up carts and process staging for machines
  • Learning how to utilize hydraulic and air clamping systems
  • Learning how to understand and perform to quality standards, methods, usage of inspection devices and reporting as required
  • Learning how to understand and complete labor or time sheets accurately

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience, Competencies and Education

  • High School/GED, prior experience working in a manufacturing environment helpful
  • SolidWorks and CAM software experience a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to interpret bar graphs; good working knowledge of algebra and geometry
  • Must be mechanically inclined, and have a demonstrated ability to learn new mechanical skills
  • Experience or education in metal machining preferred
  • Must be a motivated self-starter

Language Skills

  • Must have working command of the English language
  • Must be able to read, write and interpret the English language
  • Must be able to communicate in English verbally and in writing (basic verbal instructions, simple written memos and instructions)

Computer Skills

  • Basic computer skills preferred

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Occasional driving of industrial equipment -- forklift license a plus

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

  • All machinists will be required to complete any assigned technical, administrative, EH&S, compliance/regulatory and interpersonal training programs to become a working team member
  • To advance level of proficiencies and skills, machinists will be required to complete technical and core training requirements through traditional methods, online training and hands on training, as prescribed by each supervisor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Continuous: standing, walking, lifting, bending, pushing/pulling, and reaching
  • Occasional: kneeling, sitting, squatting, overhead work, fine and gross upper body motor movement
  • Maximum lift: to 30 pounds and assisted lifting
  • Occasional lifting: 0 to 30 pounds
  • Continuous use of hand tools

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

  • Safety glasses with side shields
  • The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear
  • All employees are required to apply ergonomic correctness to all job tasks
  • May be required depending on position:
    • Annual vision update in Medical Department
    • Involvement in the hearing conservation program
    • Involvement in the lead surveillance program
    • Wearing of safety certified shoes/boots
    • Participation in the stretching program

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting
  • Work environment is similar to most manufacturing operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting