ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Apprentice Operator Jobs in Lorton, VA (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Fire Alarm Apprentice

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

A Fire Alarm Apprentice assists in the installation of fire alarm equipment in accordance with all ... operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting ...

Lewis

Equipment Operator

Manassas, VA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Equipment Operator Join a company that grows people. At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees we're ... apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and ...

LEWIS

Equipment Operator

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Equipment Operator Join a company that grows people. At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees -- we ... apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and ...

LEWIS

Equipment Operator

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Equipment Operator Join a company that grows people. At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees -- we ... apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and ...

Lewis

Equipment Operator

Manassas, VA

$18 - $24.75/hr

Equipment Operator Join a company that grows people. At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees we're ... apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Herndon, VA

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Lorton, VA

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Chantilly, VA

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Centreville, VA · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Burke, VA · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Dumfries, VA

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Woodbridge, VA

$10 - $15/hr

.IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware ... Association Apprentice Program which earns College Credits Paid Vacation Regular Performance ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsApprentice Operator JobsApprentice Operator Jobs in Lorton, VA

Apprentice Operator information

See Lorton, VA salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Lorton, VA is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice operator?

Apprentice Operators are entry-level workers who are learning to operate machinery or equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. They typically participate in a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. The goal is to develop the technical skills and knowledge needed to perform the operator role independently. Apprentice Operators are common in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and construction, where hands-on training is essential. Their responsibilities may include monitoring equipment, assisting with maintenance, and following safety procedures.

What can I expect during my first few months as an apprentice operator?

During your initial months as an Apprentice Operator, you'll primarily focus on learning operational procedures, safety protocols, and equipment handling under the guidance of experienced operators. You'll rotate through different stations, participate in hands-on training, and gradually take on more responsibility as you demonstrate competence. Close supervision and feedback are typical, as safety and accuracy are paramount in this role. Expect to work in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and clear communication are essential for smooth operations and troubleshooting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes entry-level certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this hands-on environment. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation of machinery, which is critical to maintaining production standards and workplace safety.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operator vs Operator?

AspectApprentice OperatorOperator
Required CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised training settingFull operational environment
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level rolesFull-time operational roles in manufacturing, utilities

The main difference between an Apprentice Operator and an Operator is experience and certification level. Apprentice Operators are in training, gaining skills under supervision, while Operators have completed training and are fully responsible for operations. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas Operators handle daily operational tasks independently.

What cities near Lorton, VA are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs?

Cities near Lorton, VA with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:

Apprentice Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operator job openings in Lorton, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,420 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Fire Alarm Apprentice

M.C. Dean, Inc

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

244th of 453 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.
A Fire Alarm Apprentice assists in the installation of fire alarm equipment in accordance with all applicable plans, specifications, codes and industry standards.
Responsibilities
  • Assembling, installing, testing, and maintaining electrical or electronic wiring, conduit, cable, equipment, components and devices associated with electrical equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
  • Installing and mounting electronic controls, device, panels, sensors, and components.
  • Performing interlock wiring as required.
  • Testing electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using testing devices. Inspecting installation sites and studying work orders, building plans, and installation manuals in order to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
  • Diagnosing malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components, using test equipment and hand tools, to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
  • Reading contract drawings.
  • Trouble shooting Life Safety systems, detectors, and relays.

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

Qualifications
Qualifications / Skills Sets / Expectations:
  • High School diploma or GED required 0+ months of experience.
  • Reliable Transportation
  • Must successfully pass a background check and drug test
  • Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record.
  • Possibility for mandatory overtime, which may fluctuate and include night and weekend work.
  • Other duties as assigned, such as composite cleanup: removing, disposing and recycling of composite materials.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required.

Desired Skills:
  • Vocational school or education training is a plus.

Working conditions and environment:
This position is physically demanding and often requires working outdoors while exposed to all types of weather conditions and while working in all types of environments. For example, the incumbent may be required to work, depending on the job location and the time of year, in the heat, cold, rain and snow. This position also requires working at extreme heights, in areas that are under construction, or in restricted areas such as a switchgear room, manhole, utility tunnel, crawl space or attic. The incumbent must be able to access work areas that are accessible only by O.S.H.A. approved site construction ladders or stairs that are under construction. Additionally, this position requires flexible work hours. In order to get a project completed on time, employees are often required to work overtime, weekends and night shifts. The incumbent must work in the presence of customers and their representatives with little or no interference or disruption to the customer while maintaining a professional and courteous image.
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 $20.00 - USD $20.00 /Hr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

M.C. Dean logo

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

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All M.C. Dean Jobs

Apply