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Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Mechanical Engineering Apprentice information

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$37

How much do mechanical engineering apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical engineering apprentice in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mechanical Engineering Apprentice position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CAD software, measurement tools, and safety protocols is often required and may be gained through coursework or on-the-job training. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, accurate, and effective contributions to engineering projects while developing your expertise in the field.

What is a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice job?

A Mechanical Engineering Apprentice job is an entry-level role where individuals gain hands-on experience while learning the principles of mechanical engineering. Apprentices typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, assisting with tasks like designing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems. They also participate in classroom-based learning to develop technical knowledge in areas such as materials science, thermodynamics, and computer-aided design (CAD). This combination of practical and theoretical training helps prepare them for a career as a fully qualified mechanical engineer.

What does a typical day look like for a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice?

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, your day-to-day responsibilities often include assisting engineers with drafting designs, performing calculations, maintaining equipment, and supporting the assembly or testing of mechanical components. You may also attend team meetings, participate in hands-on projects, and document your work for review by supervisors. Working closely with senior engineers and technicians provides valuable learning opportunities and mentorship. The role combines both office and workshop tasks, giving you practical experience that supports your professional development and prepares you for more advanced positions in the field.

More about Mechanical Engineering Apprentice jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineering Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineering Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineering Apprentice jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Apprentice job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Mechanical Engineering Technician Apprentice - OCU - Technical - 1st Shift - New Apprentice Role

Mechanical Engineering Technician Apprentice - OCU - Technical - 1st Shift - New Apprentice Role

Cummins

Columbus, IN

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Cummins rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary:

Prepares test articles for test, including initial build and final teardown. Responsible for installing instrumentation into test articles per relevant engineering standards.

As part of a formal apprenticeship training program, assists journeyman Mechanical Engineering Technicians and Associates to learn, develop and apply the
skills necessary to obtain a Department of Labor certification as a journeyman. Also independently performs work to help support area needs during work
rotations.

Key Responsibilities:

Assists in testing in accordance with established test procedures and methodology. Prepare test articles and associated fixtures, rigs, and equipment for testing. Demonstrates an understanding of the function of test equipment and the contribution of the test equipment to the validity of test results. Demonstrates knowledge of the functioning of the product under test to assess the contribution of the product to the validity of the test results. Performs test stand installation, troubleshooting and setups and the upkeep and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Performs other duties as required.

Learns to independently conduct performance and reliability testing of engines, components, systems, and controls; learns to independently perform diagnosis
of engines, components, systems, controls, and test cell problems and initiates appropriate resolutions.
Learns to independently configure and operates data acquisition systems, and to complete data analysis and reviews; learns to independently interpret results
and makes necessary adjustments; learns to document, define data collected, and maintain electronic files.
Learns to independently perform rig, engine and component builds, tear downs, and inspections.
Learns to independently grade and measure components.
Learns to independently create machining sketches, and fabricate necessary piping, tubing, and brackets from prints and drawings.
Learns to independently install engines and instrumentation of engines and components in test cells and test rigs.
Learns to design and document test plans; provides input during the creation of test plans; drafts test reports to include findings, conclusions and
recommendations for review by Technicians, Associates, or Engineers.
Attends classes and training programs and makes appropriate progress necessary to build basic skills and knowledge required to pass Department of Labor
certification examinations.
Conducts work independently in the areas described above after sufficient training.
Assists technicians and engineers as required.
Learns and applies appropriate Company and department rules and guidelines to work.
Participates in the maintenance of quality procedures.
Participates in improvement projects.
Maintains cleanliness within the workplace.
Learns and complies with departmental safety policies and procedures.
Demonstrates confidentiality as required.
Participates in self- and team-audits and associated corrective action.
Performs other miscellaneous duties, as required, to get the job done.

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.

Maintain Apprenticeship training records

Successfully complete required Apprenticeship courses and training

Maintain a record in good standing within the Apprenticeship Program

Complete all mandatory training by required deadlines

This is a Mechanical Engineering Technician Apprenticeship role requiring enrollment in the MET Apprenticeship Program

Rotational Shift as required for OJT (On the Job Training)

Competencies:
Health and Safety Fundamentals - Champions and models proactive health and safety behaviors by identifying, reporting and participating in actions to improve health and safety in order to build an interdependent culture and contribute to an injury-free workplace.
Action oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Manages complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Data Acquisition - Prepares samples, verifies equipment calibration and performs tests according to an approved standard procedure or work instruction in a manner which ensures, and results in, data that can be trusted and delivered to the engineer or customer.
Data Reporting - Prepares documentation in a manner which clearly organizes and presents testing methods, instrument settings, the data and analysis to allow the engineer and customer to understand the results and form accurate conclusions and recommendations.
Product Function Test System Design - Interprets test equipment specifications from test standards or lab customer requirements; selects and integrates appropriate equipment, instrumentation and software to control boundary conditions and collect measurement data; assesses capability of the lab equipment against the requirements and support infrastructure.
Test Setup and Configuration - Interprets test plan to determine optimal location and orientation within a test space in accordance with local safety and environmental requirements and fabricates required system with appropriate materials.
Test Article Build - Assembles test articles according to test requirements, including all necessary installation or accommodations for instrumentation, in a manner that allows the test articles to successfully undergo product functional test.
Preventative and Predictive Maintenance - Interprets machine and tool maintenance records and data to develop and execute preventative and predictive management strategies to drive continuous improvement within the manufacturing process.
Data Quality - Identifies, understands and corrects flaws in data that supports effective information governance across operational business processes and decision making.
Problem Solving - Solves problems and may mentor others on effective problem solving by using a systematic analysis process by leveraging industry standard methodologies to create problem traceability and protect the customer; determines the assignable cause; implements robust, data-based solutions; identifies the systemic root causes and ensures actions to prevent problem reoccurrence are implemented.
Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:

High school diploma, GED or equivalent required.
Must meet the minimum educational requirements to be "Program Ready" to start the apprenticeship program.
Registration in a certified apprenticeship learning program required (for example, a Department of Labor certified program).

STEM Testing Requirements for new apprentices

Requires some work experience and intermediate level knowledge obtained through training or on-the-job experience.

Applicants must be program ready at the time of application submission to be considered. Program readiness can be proven by:

1. Providing a college transcript proving a passing grade in a pre-requisite math course, making the applicant ready to enroll inIvy Tech MATH 136.

2. Completing the Knowledge Assessment (STEM path) through Ivy Tech and providing a screenshot of apassing score of 70 or more.

Submit your proof of program readiness tomichelle.gilley@cummins.com

To complete the Knowledge Assessment:

1. Apply to Ivy Tech at ivytech.edu as courses only, if asked.

2. Receive acceptance and instructions to set up your account via email.

3. Setup your MyIvy account and click the link labeled "Knowledge Assessment."

4. Select STEM Math. If this option is not on your screen, click "enter a key to join private goals" and enter "STEM." If prompted for a key at any point once you have access to this assessment, enter "STEM."

5. Complete the initial assessment. If you do not earn a score of 70 or more, complete the remediation with the EdReady system. By completing the remediation, you will reach the target score.

6. Submit a screenshot of your final score to prove program readiness.
Experience:
Requires some work experience and intermediate level knowledge obtained through education, training or on-the-job experience.


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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