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Cnc Waterjet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNC Operator

Danville, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

CNC Operator Location: Voorhees Duties and Responsibilities: Setting up CNC machines to perform ... Understanding of manufacturing tools and machinery, including routers, Waterjet, CO2 and Fiber ...

CNC Operator

Danville, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

CNC Operator Location: Voorhees Duties and Responsibilities: Setting up CNC machines to perform ... Understanding of manufacturing tools and machinery, including routers, Waterjet, CO2 and Fiber ...

$21 - $23/hr

CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet/Knife Cutter **SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE** As a CNC Machine Operator, youwill perform the physical tasks involved in operating and maintaining a CNC Knife Cutter ...

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Cnc Waterjet information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do cnc waterjet jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cnc waterjet in the United States is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cnc Waterjet vs Cnc Laser Cutter?

FeatureCnc WaterjetCnc Laser Cutter
Cutting MethodHigh-pressure water mixed with abrasiveFocused laser beam
MaterialsMetals, stone, glass, compositesMetals, plastics, wood, fabric
PrecisionHigh, but slightly less than laserVery high precision
Work EnvironmentWet, requiring drainageDry, clean
ApplicationsThick, hard materialsThin, detailed cuts

Both Cnc Waterjet and Cnc Laser Cutter are versatile manufacturing tools. Waterjets excel at cutting thick, hard materials with minimal heat impact, making them ideal for stone and metal fabrication. Laser cutters provide high precision for detailed work on thinner materials. The choice depends on material type, thickness, and desired precision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CNC Waterjet Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CNC Waterjet Operator, you need a strong understanding of machining principles, blueprint reading, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by vocational training or relevant experience. Familiarity with CNC programming software, CAD/CAM systems, and waterjet cutting equipment is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators excel and maintain safety standards. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing precise parts, minimizing errors, and ensuring efficient workflow in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by CNC Waterjet operators and how can they be addressed?

CNC Waterjet operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances during cutting, managing machine maintenance, and handling different types of materials. Ensuring proper calibration and regular cleaning of the waterjet system helps reduce downtime and maintain accuracy. Operators can also benefit from collaborating closely with engineers and programmers to optimize cutting paths and material usage. Continuous training on new software updates and safety protocols is essential for staying efficient and productive in this role.

What are CNC Waterjet operators?

CNC Waterjet operators are skilled technicians who use computer numerical control (CNC) machines that cut materials with a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive substances. These operators program, set up, and monitor waterjet cutting machines to produce precise parts and components from metal, stone, glass, or other materials. Their responsibilities include reading blueprints, choosing correct materials, ensuring machine maintenance, and overseeing quality control. CNC Waterjet operators are essential in manufacturing, fabrication, and prototyping industries due to the versatility and accuracy of waterjet cutting technology.
More about Cnc Waterjet jobs
Infographic showing various Cnc Waterjet job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,183 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet / Knife Cutter

CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet / Knife Cutter

Curtiss-Wright

Middleburg, OH • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet/Knife Cutter **SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE**
As a CNC Machine Operator, youwill perform the physical tasks involved in operating and maintaining a CNC Knife Cutter/Waterjet Machine. Successful candidates will be looking for a hands-on role, have strong math skills, mechanical aptitude, operate the CNC efficiently to maintain on time production, and work as a team with other machine operators.
Location: Middleburg Heights, OH (greater Cleveland area)
Schedule: Monday- Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $21-$23/hour
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Ohio. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
We take care of our people!
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture
Your Challenge:
  • Responsible for working as a team with other employees to maintain on time delivery.
  • Accurately following and interpreting instructions, procedures and drawings
  • Setting up, operating and maintaining equipment used in the manufacturing processes
  • Verifying quality of product at the required intervals and verifying accuracy of all work
  • Perform final inspection of products using tape measures, calipers or other measuring devices.
  • Checking and inspecting operation results against predetermined tolerances
  • Recommend process improvements to reduce future discrepancies.
  • Creates / modifies drawings using CAD, scanner, etc. from sketches or layouts provided by customers and converts the drawings to CNC machine language using CAM Software. (As Required)

Your Expertise:
  • 1-2 years of experience in Machine/Waterjet Operator role
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs unassisted
  • Math skills with the ability to convert fractions to decimal and vice versa, find circumference of a circle, and understand units of measure conversions (such as square feet to square inches)
  • Experience working with other team members in daily operational tasks
  • Ability to operate a fork-truck
  • Mechanical ability to maintain / repair equipment
  • Knowledge of CNC / CAD / CAM (Recommended)

Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Nuclear Division offers a comprehensive range of products, information systems, and services that help sustain the safe and reliable operation of nuclear, conventional, and renewable power plants throughout the world. Our extensive experience, advanced technologies and innovative solutions support custom engineered equipment solutions, digitalization initiatives, diagnostics, asset management programs, and new construction.
For more info: https://nuclear.curtisswright.com/brands/ap-services
#LI-YA1
#IND
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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