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Precision Waterjet Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Precision Waterjet information

What is the difference between Precision Waterjet vs CNC Machinist?

AspectPrecision WaterjetCNC Machinist
CredentialsTypically requires high school diploma or equivalent; training in waterjet operationRequires technical training or certification in CNC programming and operation
Work EnvironmentFabrication shops, manufacturing facilities, working with waterjet cutting equipmentMachine shops, manufacturing plants, operating CNC machines
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, automotive, signage, and custom fabricationUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and metalworking industries

While both roles are integral to manufacturing, Precision Waterjet operators focus on operating waterjet cutting equipment for precise material cutting, whereas CNC Machinists program and operate CNC machines for complex machining tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are some common challenges faced by Precision Waterjet operators, and how can they be overcome?

Precision Waterjet operators often encounter challenges such as selecting the right cutting parameters for various materials, maintaining tight tolerances, and ensuring machine upkeep. Overcoming these challenges involves gaining a thorough understanding of material properties, continuously calibrating equipment, and adhering to preventive maintenance schedules. Effective communication with designers and engineers also helps clarify requirements and resolve technical issues, making teamwork essential in meeting project specifications and deadlines.

What is a Precision Waterjet operator?

A Precision Waterjet operator is a skilled technician who uses high-pressure waterjet cutting machines to shape, cut, and fabricate materials like metal, stone, glass, and composites. These operators program and set up the waterjet equipment, monitor cutting processes, and ensure that parts meet strict tolerances and quality standards. Precision Waterjet operators are essential in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and architecture, where complex and precise cuts are required. Their responsibilities also include routine maintenance of the machinery and troubleshooting any issues that arise during operation.

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

To thrive as a Precision Waterjet Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with CNC programming, waterjet cutting machines, and CAD/CAM software is typically required. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate, efficient production of complex parts and maintain high safety and quality standards in manufacturing environments.
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Precision Waterjet jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Precision Waterjet job openings:

Sr. CNC Programmer - American Fan-Fairfield,Ohio

FAIRBANKS MORSE DEFENSE

Lawrenceburg, IN โ€ข On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
American Fan is a manufacturer of air movement equipment for Industrial, HVAC, Commercial, Marine, and specialty markets. Throughout our history, the quality and reliability of our products has been built upon a solid foundation of unrivaled application expertise and technical leadership. As a small manufacturer who is part of a well-respected international corporation, we are best known for our willingness to design and manufacture specialty air movement products for unique applications. Our sales distribution base consists of a diverse group of knowledgeable agents/representatives. Together with our in-house sales staff they deliver a very high level of customer service.
Job Description
Job Title: Sr. CNC Programmer Date: June 2026
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager
American Fan is looking for a skilled professional with a manufacturing engineering mindset who thrives in a hands-on, action-oriented position. Combining advanced CNC programming expertise with direct involvement in shop floor operations, this position focuses on optimizing material usage, scheduling CNC machine workloads, and ensuring accurate material certification (CMTR) traceability. Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, the role requires technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and active collaboration with schedulers and shop floor teams to meet production goals, maintain compliance, and uphold high-quality standards. It's a dynamic position that bridges the gap between engineering and daily production operations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Create high-efficiency 2D nesting layouts using CAD/CAM software to maximize material utilization and minimize waste.
  • Program CNC cutting machines (laser, plasma, waterjet, punch) by generating accurate G-code and configuring cutting parameters.
  • Convert 3D models into precise flat 2D files, applying accurate bend deductions and allowances.
  • Review and clean CAD files to eliminate geometry errors before production.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure CNC programs meet quality, precision, and efficiency standards.
  • Use PEP software to plan and optimize CNC machine schedules, aligning with production timelines and delivery goals.
  • Work with schedulers to integrate machine schedules into overall production plans, ensuring efficiency and meeting deadlines.
  • Sequence and dispatch CNC work orders, optimizing throughput and minimizing downtime.
  • Run nesting simulations to provide material usage and cycle-time data for production planning.
  • Adjust CNC machine schedules in real-time to prioritize urgent jobs, handle delays, or address bottlenecks.
  • Act as the liaison between production scheduling and shop floor operations to ensure smooth execution of schedules.
  • Own and manage the CMTR process, ensuring all materials are certified and fully traceable.
  • Maintain accurate CMTR records to meet Navy, vendor, and customer requirements.
  • Ensure material traceability through inventory, nesting, cut parts, remnants, and completed jobs, with records ready for audits.
  • Collaborate with quality and procurement teams to ensure compliance with all standards.
  • Resolve real-time production challenges on the shop floor, including CNC programming, scheduling conflicts, or material availability.
  • Provide hands-on support to ensure machines run efficiently and programs are executed accurately.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and eliminate bottlenecks.
  • Troubleshoot CNC programming, nesting, and machine operation issues to maintain productivity and quality.
  • Embody FMD Core Values of Integrity, Velocity and Teamwork

Qualifications and Educational Requirements
  • 2-4 years of CNC programming and machine scheduling experience in a fabrication environment with hands-on shop floor involvement.
  • Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SigmaNEST, ProNest, AutoCAD, SolidWorks), PEP software, and ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor, JobBOSS, SAP).
  • Expertise in G-code programming, blueprint reading, GD&T, and material nesting optimization.
  • Strong knowledge of CMTR requirements, traceability, and compliance with Navy, vendor, and customer standards.
  • High School Diploma/GED and CNC Programming certification required; AS degree in a related technical field preferred.
  • Skilled in collaborating with schedulers, shop floor teams, and engineering to align machine schedules with deadlines.
  • Comfortable working on the shop floor, troubleshooting, and providing real-time solutions to maintain production flow.
  • Proficient in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled