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Water Jet Machine Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Machine Operator Infrastructure Products Group Houston, Texas, United States Job ID: 528204 Non ... the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and ...

Machine Operator

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

... the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and ... The machine operator will operate an automated cage machine or a concrete pipe machine. Job ...

Machine Operator - Finning

Beasley, TX

$14.25 - $17/hr

S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions ... Chart's Machine Operator position plays a key role in the manufacturing process of Chart's products.

Machine Operator - Finning

Beasley, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions ... Chart's Machine Operator position plays a key role in the manufacturing process of Chart's products.

Utility Operator I

La Porte, TX · On-site

$20.96 - $26.20/hr

UTILITY OPERATOR I Category: Full-Time Status: Open Hourly: Min. $20.961 - Mid. $26.201 Published ... machine, combinations vacuum/water jet. * Remove and install meters. Install barricades and route ...

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium ... Howmet - Houston Extrusions (77061) is seeking a skilled and safety-driven machine operators for ...

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Howmet - Houston Extrusions (77061) is seeking a skilled and safety-driven machine operators for ... Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium ...

Machine Operator

Hurst, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Machine Operator Architectural Products Group Hurst, Texas, United States Job ID: 527137 Oldcastle ... the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and ...

Machine Operator Architectural Products Group Burnet, Texas, United States Job ID: 527959 Oldcastle ... the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Jet Machine Operator information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Texas?

For Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Water Jet Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Water Jet Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Jet Machine Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

CNC Router and Waterjet Operator

ESSNER MANUFACTURING LP

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Set up and operate Water Jets and Routers to produce aerospace parts.

  • Maintain dimensional accuracy during machining by using precision measuring instruments and adjusting machine controls as needed.

  • Monitor machine operation for malfunctions or out-of-tolerance cutting, and perform adjustments or alert supervisors accordingly.


Job description

Are you an energetic and dependable employee that takes pride in your craft? Are you able to perform your job with little oversite? Can you operate multiple machines while maintaining high quality? Would you like to be part of a dynamic and growing aerospace manufacturing business? Essner Manufacturing is looking for qualified Machine Operators to run various types of parts across a variety of machine tools.

Essner is seeking a self-starter, precise individual to operate our routers and waterjets. The ideal candidate has worked in manufacturing environments and had documented successes in safety, quality, and is experienced in operating CNC routers and waterjets.

If this is an accurate description of who you are, please complete our application at the following link:

https://go.apply.ci/s/0D55BA0000

If this does not describe you, please do not apply – this role is not a good fit.

Essner Manufacturing (www.essner.com) is a growing company based in Ft. Worth, TX supplying precision CNC machined and sheet metal components as well as complex sub-assemblies to the aerospace and defense industries. We offer competitive benefits, 401K, PTO, flexible holiday policy and education reimbursement.

Reports to:
Machine Shop Manager

Key Responsibilities:

​​​​​

  • Ability to set up and operate both Water Jets and Router to produce aerospace parts
  • Maintain dimensional accuracy during the machining process by using precision measuring instruments (pin gauges, mylars, calipers, laser scanning)
  • Make sure the equipment is in top operation performance and alert supervisor of repairs when needed
  • Pull programs from DXF catalog  to machine controller
  • Starts and observes machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance cutting, and adjusts machine controls or control media as required
  • Sets up and operates machine/tools on trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data
  • Indicates X and Y and adjusts indication as necessary
  • Makes feed rate adjustments.
  • Possesses basic hand trim skills and the ability to ream holes and trim tabs
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Maintain organization of jobs and material inventory in work center
  • Understanding of cutting speeds, garnet types and water pressure
  • Able to perform in a team environment
  • Consults with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve machining problems
  • Dependable and possesses a strong work ethic with the ability to produce high quality parts
  • Performs clean-up and maintenance tasks
  • Math Skills – decimals, percentages, fractions, geometry and understanding of Polar and Cartesian Coordinate Systems preferred
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualification:

  • High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum two (2) years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Minimum one (1) years of experience as a Machine Operator.
  • Experience with 3, 4 and 5 axis mills.
  • Experience with Mazak, Fadal, Okuma, and Haas controllers.
  • Experience using different measuring devices (calipers, micrometers, radius gages)
  • High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
  • Minimum one (1) years of experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Minimum one (1) years of experience as a Router or Waterjet Operator
  • Ability to carry 50 lbs
  • Experience with Komo and Omax controllers
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints
  • Basic program reading skills using MS Windows applications as well as downloading files
  • Fundamental understanding of M and G codes
  • Experience using different measuring devices (calipers, micrometers, radius gages).
  • ERP/ MRP experience
  • This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status.  ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications        

  • Five (5) years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
  • Three (3) years of experience as a Router or Water Jet Operator
  • Understanding of equipment maintenance
  • Understanding of setups and nesting concepts
  • Understanding of sheet metal machining on various material types. (Titanium, Aluminum, Inconel)