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Water Jet Machine Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Chart Industries

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.

Chart Industries

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.

City of La Porte

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 ...

Howmet Aerospace

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 ...

CRH

Machine Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Machine Operator Architectural Products Group Katy, Texas, United States Job ID: 527086 Oldcastle ... the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and ...

Howmet Aerospace

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 ...

Velocity Flex

Be Seen First

Manual CNC Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Work with manual milling machines such as Bridgeport , BT-10B , and Jet mills. * Modify existing ... Hands-on experience operating Bridgeport, BT-10B, Jet, or similar manual milling machines.

USA INDUSTRIES LLC

GSST Assembly Tech

South Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... water jet, engraving, stamping, or packaging of manufactured products. * Remains knowledgeable and current with all shop machine processes, regulations, and guidelines, including forklift operations ...

Chart Industries

Machine Operator - Finning

Beasley, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions ... Grow a Cooler career with Chart Industries by supporting Shop Operations as a Machine Operator!

Vortex Companies

Heavy Machine Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

We think BIG about solving the world's toughest challenges in failing water, sewer and industrial ... Vortex is looking for a Heavy Machine Operator to join our crew. This position works in underground ...

Chart Industries

CNC Machine Operator

Beasley, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions ... The CNC Machine Operator plays a key role in the success of our Header Manufacturing team. If you ...

Chart Industries

CNC Machine Operator

Beasley, TX

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions ... The CNC Machine Operator plays a key role in the success of our Header Manufacturing team. If you ...

Chart Industries

CNC Machine Operator

Beasley, TX

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions ... The CNC Machine Operator plays a key role in the success of our Header Manufacturing team. If you ...

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All JobsWater Jet Machine Operator JobsWater Jet Machine Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Water Jet Machine Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$11

$17

$22

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet machine operator in Houston, TX is $17.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Houston, TX? For Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Water Jet Machine Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:
Water Jet Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Jet Machine Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,123 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Machine Operator - Finning

Chart Industries

Beasley, TX

$14.25 - $17/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Chart Industries rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Ensuring Chart’s Success…

"Cooler By Design” – Chart’s core business is centered around the design and fabrication of cryogenic equipment; so you can see where we get our tagline from, right? Well, yes and no – see, we think the products we design and build are pretty cool too. Also, we’re problem solvers. Customers don’t come to Chart with an equipment specification, they come to Chart with a challenge. That’s where you come in, because someone has to figure it out – all the way from conceptual design to installation and commissioning of equipment on-site. Chart’s mission is to provide full solutions across the Nexus of Clean™ – clean power, clean water, clean food, and clean industrials.

The diverse applications we service echo our commitment to sustainability – from providing full hydrogen solutions across the value chain, offering small and industrial scale carbon capture solutions to customers globally, creating water treatment systems responsible for treating 4.5 billion gallons of water per day in the U.S. and delivering clean water to over a billion people worldwide, providing equipment and solutions for mission critical space launches, decarbonizing the marine industry, and electrifying the mining space. Chart even contributes to the food and beverage industry by making some of your favorite carbonated beverages possible –If nitro coffee or nitro ice cream is your thing – well, that’s Chart technology too (and it’s also cool)!

Interested in learning more? Take a tour of Chart City to get a feel of how Chart equipment solutions impact our daily lives.

Grow a Cooler career with Chart Industries by supporting Shop Operations as a Machine Operator! Chart’s Machine Operator position plays a key role in the manufacturing process of Chart’s products. This position will be responsible for helping to produce high quality manufactured products used all over the world. Day shift and Night shift availability. 

What Will You Do?

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Follows instructions on how to set up machines at beginning of shift to ensure proper operations 
  • Learns testing procedures to ensure optimum operations during production procedure 
  • Maintains and cleans machines before and after shifts 
  • Monitors machines during each procedure to ensure optimum operation 
  • Performs random tests to ensure accuracy 
  • Performs periodic checks to ensure quality production 

REQUIREMENTS - MUST BE ABLE TO DO THE FOLLOWING: 

  • Ability to read a tape measure 
  • Ability to read and comprehend shop drawings 
  • In depth knowledge of safety practices and hazards related to machine operations 
  • Ability to lift 70 lbs 
  • Ability to operate manual lathes 
  • Ability to operate manual mills 
  • Ability to operate head cranes 
  • Ability to operate a variety of hand tools 
  • Ability to adjust vision focus 
  • Ability to work shift work 
  • Ability to meet production goals 
  • Ability to complete tasks 
  • Knowledge of basic mathematical principles 
  • Knowledge of mechanical tools 
  • Ability to work overtime when required 
Your Physical Work Environment Will Require…

INTERACTION: 

  • Works with supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

  • Must be able to work inside & outside 

REQUIRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) WHILE IN THE SHOPS: 

  • Safety Glasses 
  • Steel Toe Boots 
  • Ear Plugs 
  • Gloves 
  • Hard Hat (when needed) 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Using hands, fingers to handle or feel 
  • Walking 
  • Sitting 
  • Standing 
  • Stooping 
  • Kneeling 
  • Crouching 
  • Crawling 
  • Talking 
  • Hearing 
  • Lifting from 10 lbs to 25 lbs on a frequent basis 
  • Lifting of 75 lbs on occasional basis 
Your Experience Should Be...

6 months Manufacturing/Industrial experience

Our Benefits Package...
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Employer contributions to an HSA account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Basic life insurance with the option to purchase supplemental individual, spouse and dependent child coverage
  • Up to two weeks of paid parental leave
  • 401k retirement savings plan including a company match

Chart Industries is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicants because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, military status, marital status, genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law. Additionally, it is and shall continue to be our policy to provide promotion and advancement opportunities in a non-discriminatory fashion.

Chart complies with applicable local, state, and federal statutes governing “equal employment opportunity” and nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leave of absence, compensation and training.

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