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Water Jet Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

avalign

Water Jet Operator - 2nd Shift

Greenwood, IN · On-site

We are looking for a Water Jet Operator to join our Greenwood, IN location on 2nd shift . You will ... Set up Water Jet machine in accordance with the print specifications and work instructions to ...

Aerotek

Production Operator

Indianapolis, IN

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Place laminated material on the 2D Water Jet machine, feed it through the system, and oversee the ... Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation processes for each workstation ...

Atlanta Waterjet

Water Jet Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Responsible for water jet machine operations associated with quantity production of identical units. * Program and operate a Omax Waterjet with customer's drawings and specifications * Start and stop ...

Atlanta Waterjet

Water Jet Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Responsible for water jet machine operations associated with quantity production of identical units. * Program and operate a Omax Waterjet with customer's drawings and specifications * Start and stop ...

Lincoln Electric

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps ... Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator * Must possess solid troubleshooting and ...

Lincoln Electric

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps ... Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator * Must possess solid troubleshooting and ...

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Water Jet Machine Operator information

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$23

How much do water jet machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water jet machine operator do?

A Water Jet Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining water jet cutting machines, which use high-pressure streams of water (sometimes mixed with abrasives) to cut various materials such as metal, glass, stone, or plastic. Operators read blueprints or CAD drawings to determine cutting specifications, load materials onto the machine, and monitor the cutting process to ensure precision and quality. They also perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting to keep the equipment running efficiently and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by water jet machine operators, and how can they be managed?

Water Jet Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances, handling complex setup procedures, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of the machine's software and maintenance needs. Collaboration with engineers and maintenance teams is also essential to ensure production quality and minimize downtime. Continuous learning and adherence to safety protocols help operators stay efficient and safe on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water jet machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Jet Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machine operation, blueprint reading, and basic math, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with CNC programming, water jet cutting systems, and CAD software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators ensure quality output and maintain a safe work environment. These competencies are essential for producing precise parts, minimizing errors, and maximizing machine efficiency in manufacturing settings.

What is the difference between Water Jet Machine Operator vs CNC Machinist?

AspectWater Jet Machine OperatorCNC Machinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or associate's degree
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or fabrication shops, operating water jet cutting equipmentMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, operating CNC machines
Industry UsageHeavy industry, aerospace, automotive, custom fabricationMetalworking, aerospace, automotive, precision manufacturing

Both Water Jet Machine Operators and CNC Machinists work in manufacturing environments and require technical skills. While Water Jet Machine Operators focus on operating water jet cutting equipment, CNC Machinists program and operate computer-controlled machines. The roles overlap in industry and work environment, but differ in technical scope and certification requirements.

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Water Jet Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Jet Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Water Jet Operator - 2nd Shift

avalign

Greenwood, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a Water Jet Operator to join our Greenwood, IN location on 2nd shift. You will set up and operate a Water Jet machine to cut silicone parts in accordance with blueprint specifications and work instructions.

 

What You’ll Do:

  • Set up Water Jet machine in accordance with the print specifications and work instructions to process parts
  • Read and interpret blueprints and work operations sheets to determine appropriate operations to be performed
  • Use inspection gauges, such as calipers (both dial and Vernier), micrometers, squares, and height gauges to perform quality checks on parts
  • Correct dimensional problems
  • Maintain and insure accurate counts on completed parts and scrapped parts
  • Maintain tools, measuring instruments, and equipment in a clean and orderly manner
  • Perform set-up for prototype parts and forms according to blueprints and guidelines
  • Remove small quantities of metal to produce a smooth finish

What You’ll Need: 

  • High School diploma or equivalent preferred
  • 2 years of related experience and/or training
  • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Mathematical skills to manage units of measure, fractions, decimals, whole numbers
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and operations sheets to determine set-up and operations to be formed
  • Ability to walk and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

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