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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Waxhaw, NC

... up, programming, operating, and tend to the computerized woodworking machine (CNC Router ... Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not ...

... up, programming, operating, and tend to the computerized woodworking machine (CNC Router ... Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not ...

Electrical Foreman

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Lead "heavy commercial" projects on industrial sites, managing teams of 4+ Electricians/Apprentices ... keep businesses operating efficiently. Our team of dedicated electricians, engineers, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Waxhaw, NC salary details

$11

$19

$33

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Waxhaw, NC is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.63 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 Waxhaw, NC are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Waxhaw, NC with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Waxhaw, NC 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 $41,183 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Electronics Engineering Technician III - 2nd Shift

Cummins

York, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 265 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description


We are looking for a talented Electronics Engineering Technician - Level III to join our team specializing in Engineering for our Cummins Inc. facility in York, SC.
Job Summary:
Utilizes advanced skills, knowledge and experiences to perform analyses using Electronic Engineering tools and standard instruments and test equipment, while positively impacting the organization's performance.
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:
Deliver high quality analytical results by expertly operating advanced instruments, performing precise physical analyses, and interpreting complex data to support engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.
Drive problem resolution by applying deep technical expertise to troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and recommend effective solutions for complex laboratory and production challenges.
Strengthen laboratory capability through the development, documentation, and refinement of analytical methods that improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency across operations.
Ensure equipment reliability by performing routine and advanced maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs, minimizing downtime and safeguarding data integrity.
Build technical talent by mentoring apprentices, trainees, and technicians-enhancing team skills, closing knowledge gaps, and elevating overall laboratory performance.
Enhance cross functional collaboration by effectively interfacing with customers, suppliers, engineers, and other stakeholders to align expectations, share insights, and support project goals.
Lead and coordinate key programs by planning, scheduling, ordering materials, and prioritizing workflows-making sound decisions that keep projects on track and deliver impactful results.
Advance quality and continuous improvement by contributing to audits, updating work instructions, and participating in improvement initiatives that enhance compliance, efficiency, and adaptability.
Responsibilities
To be successful in this role you will need the following:
Strong technical discipline in data acquisition, including skill in preparing samples, following approved procedures, verifying equipment calibration, and producing accurate, trustworthy test data.
Excellent data interpretation and reporting ability, with the capability to document methods, instrumentation settings, results, and analysis in a way that enables engineers and customers to easily understand findings and act on them.
Structured problem solving skills, using disciplined, customer focused processes to identify assignable causes, implement data based solutions, and drive long term corrective and preventive actions.
Foundational product software development capability, applying industry best practices and robust engineering principles while thoroughly verifying updates to ensure product quality.
Collaborative mindset, building partnerships across teams and working effectively with engineers, technicians, and customers to achieve shared objectives.
Strong communication skills, capable of tailoring messages to different audiences and clearly conveying technical information, test results, and recommendations.
Customer centric orientation, maintaining strong relationships with internal and external customers and consistently delivering solutions that address customer needs.
High quality decision making, able to make timely, informed judgments that keep work moving forward while balancing risk, data, and customer impact.
Commitment to self development, actively seeking opportunities-formal and informal-to build technical depth, broaden skill sets, and take on new challenges.
Appreciation for diverse perspectives, recognizing and leveraging the value of different backgrounds, viewpoints, and cultures to improve problem solving and innovation.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
• High school diploma, certificate of completion of secondary education or equivalent experience in an appropriate STEM field is required.
• Regionally applicable certification or two-year Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field of study may be required.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
• Requires significant relevant work experience or specialized skills obtained through education, training or on-the-job experience.
Qualifications
• This role is 100% onsite in night shift.
• should have good understanding about trouble shooting related to electronic controls, Ignition, MES, IT Issues and Automation.
• should be able to provide support for all manufacturing and assembly lines in third independently
• Should have knowledge about Automation, Robots and Safety requirement.
About Us
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919