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Water Jet Cutting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

... cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages ... Set up, fixture, clamp and operate high pressure abrasive water jet machine to cut details and ...

CNC Machinist

Indian Head, MD

$22 - $30/hr

Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machining centers, manual mills/lathes, and water jet cutting machines to produce prototype components. * Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints ...

Water Jet Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... cutting technology to provide accurate and consistent parts in a timely and cost effective manner ... Responsible for water jet machine operations associated with quantity production of identical units.

GSST Assembly Tech

South Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Utilizes forklift in loading and unloading products for water jet cutting, ensuring proper handling and safety procedures are followed. * Prioritizes time-sensitive work orders and communicates any ...

You will work in various facility areas, including laser cutting, water jet cutting, shipping, receiving, grinding, saw cutting, band saws, sheers, and more. The role requires flexibility to train ...

OMAX - Waterjet Operator

Utica, MI · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Essential Functions 1. Operate water jet cutting machine to produce precision cut parts according to specifications 2. Set up, adjust, and maintain machinery for optimal performance 3. Inspect ...

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Water Jet Cutting information

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$13

$23

$50

How much do water jet cutting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet cutting in the United States is $23.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water jet cutting operator?

To thrive as a Water Jet Cutting Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, precision measurement skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with CNC programming, CAD software, and the operation of water jet cutting machines is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills help operators maintain quality and adapt to changing project needs. These skills and qualities ensure accurate cuts, equipment safety, and efficient workflow in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Water Jet Cutting vs Plasma Cutting?

AspectWater Jet CuttingPlasma Cutting
Credentials/CertificationsOperator certifications often requiredOperator certifications often required
Work EnvironmentIndoor, clean, precise cuttingIndoor, industrial, high-temperature environment
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, artMetal fabrication, construction, automotive
Cutting MaterialMetals, stone, glass, compositesPrimarily metals

Water Jet Cutting and Plasma Cutting are both popular methods for cutting metals and other materials. Water Jet Cutting uses high-pressure water mixed with abrasives for precise, clean cuts on a variety of materials, including delicate or heat-sensitive ones. Plasma Cutting employs ionized gas to cut through metals quickly and efficiently, especially thicker steel and aluminum. The choice depends on material type, thickness, and desired precision.

What is water jet cutting?

Water jet cutting is a fabrication process that uses a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with abrasive particles, to cut through materials such as metal, stone, glass, and composites. This method is valued for its ability to produce precise cuts without generating heat, which helps prevent material distortion or warping. Water jet cutting is commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing for both prototyping and production work. The process can cut complex shapes and is environmentally friendly as it does not produce hazardous gases or waste.

What are some common challenges faced by water jet cutting operators and how can they be addressed?

Water Jet Cutting operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise cuts on various materials, managing equipment wear, and ensuring safety standards are met. To address these, operators should regularly calibrate and maintain the cutting equipment, stay updated on the latest safety protocols, and continually improve their understanding of different material properties. Additionally, collaborating with engineers and quality control teams can help troubleshoot issues quickly and maintain high production standards.
More about Water Jet Cutting jobs
What states have the most Water Jet Cutting jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Jet Cutting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Jet Cutting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,959 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Water Jet Operator

Lincoln Electric

Macomb, MI • On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Lincoln Electric rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric's innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential 'Linc' that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Location: Macomb - Mile 
Req ID: 29700 

Job Responsibilities

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Perform machine set-up and operation for cutting materials per given programs

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Set up, fixture, clamp and operate high pressure abrasive water jet machine to cut details and parts to a provided program.
  • Lift or move materials and finished products using overhead cranes / hi-lo
  • Set up assigned jobs according to the given schedule.
  • Conduct equipment checks and notify management and/or maintenance for needed repairs.
  • Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
  • Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
  • Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma/GED, certificate in Machine Tool Technology or equivalent work experience
  • Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator
  • Must possess solid troubleshooting and communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands listed are representative of those required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employees frequently stand, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work from ladders or scaffolds; sitting is occasional. The role requires regularly lifting to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Close vision is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described reflects typical conditions encountered in this role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employees are regularly exposed to electrical shock hazards and frequently to moving mechanical parts.

Export Control Disclaimer: This position will include access to data, technology, and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment with The Lincoln Electric Company (D/B/A Baker Industries) is contingent upon either verifying U.S. person status or obtaining any necessary authorizations. Applicants will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes and information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. The Lincoln Electric Company, at its sole discretion, may choose not to apply for a license for such individuals as whose access to export-controlled data, technology, and/or software source code may require authorization. The Lincoln Electric Company may also decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Workplace harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics is prohibited. Interference with an employee's ability to perform job duties may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

ATTENTION: THIRD-PARTY RECRUITERS

Lincoln Electric does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Resumes submitted without a signed vendor agreement become the property of Lincoln Electric. No fees will be paid unless recruiting efforts are coordinated through the Recruiting Department.

DISCLAIMER

This position may have access to various types of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or information and tangible items subject to U.S. export controls, as well as be subject to certain customer/contractual requirements.  Therefore, the individual selected for the position may be required to meet certain citizenship, immigration, and/or location-related requirements, as well as screenings, background checks and additional training.  The Company, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to seek a contractual waiver or regulatory export authorization if required.

Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable qualifications, as determined by the Company, as well as adhering to all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be modified at any time at the Employer's sole discretion.


Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.


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