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

CNC Programmer

Houston, TX

$25.25 - $34.50/hr

Minimum 7 years' experience programming, setting up, and operating 5 Axis CNC equipment * Must be ... Water Jet * CNC programming and setup of 5 Axis Wire EDM * Familiar with machine probing and ...

CNC Programmer

Houston, TX · On-site

$25.25 - $34.50/hr

Minimum 7 years' experience programming, setting up, and operating 5 Axis CNC equipment * Must be ... Water Jet * CNC programming and setup of 5 Axis Wire EDM * Familiar with machine probing and ...

Flow Water Jet Systems. * CNC Press Brakes. * AMADA Fabrication Equipment. * Copper Tube Bending Machines. * Multi-Press Hydraulic Press Systems. * Sheet metal fabrication and assembly equipment. Why ...

Operator III - Water/Wastewater Treatment Job Function / Purpose The Operator III is responsible ... B Waste water license required. Responsibilities * Operate equipment and machinery such as valves ...

Operator III - Water/Wastewater Treatment Job Function / Purpose The Operator III is responsible ... water and/or wastewater treatment facilities. Responsibilities * Operate equipment and machinery ...

Operator III - Water/Wastewater Treatment Job Function / Purpose The Operator III is responsible ... water and/or wastewater treatment facilities. Responsibilities * Operate equipment and machinery ...

Mold Operator

Beasley, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Launching rockets into spaceDelivering Nexus of Clean solutions for clean water, clean power, clean ... Operates any one of various machines in order to perform a certain process to the material Sets up ...

New

Mold Operator

Beasley, TX

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Launching rockets into spaceDelivering Nexus of Clean™ solutions for clean water, clean power ... Operates any one of various machines in order to perform a certain process to the material Sets up ...

New

Operator - Assembly (Day Shift)

Katy, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Founded in 1947 as a metalworking shop that brought fresh cold water to Texas workers in the field ... Relieves other Machine Operators as needed * Train operators as required * Participates in ...

Operator - Assembly (Day Shift)

Katy, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Founded in 1947 as a metalworking shop that brought fresh cold water to Texas workers in the field ... Relieves other Machine Operators as needed * Train operators as required * Participates in ...

Operator- Blow Mold (Day Shift)

Katy, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Founded in 1947 as a metalworking shop that brought fresh cold water to Texas workers in the field ... Operate Blow Molding Machines. * Responsible for visual inspection of production for defects based ...

Showing results 41-60

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 22, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Water Jet Machine Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,123 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Driver-Equipment Operator

City of West University Place

Houston, TX • On-site

$23.12 - $27.17/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

CLASS SUMMARY:Drivers/Equipment Operators perform maintenance and/or operational activities in assigned area of responsibility. Typical duties may include: driving heavy equipment (including trash and recycling vehicles and the street sweeper); preparing routine reports; providing customer service; performing skilled repairs to equipment and/or other related items; troubleshooting systems; identifying potential areas of operational concern; and/or, performing other related activities.TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)1.Inspects, maintains, and performs skilled repairs on vehicles and equipment; work may involve identifying and troubleshooting applicable systems and equipment; and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures2.Operates light, medium, and heavy equipment, machines, and vehicles, heavy duty excavators, jet trucks, street sweeper vehicles, and/or sludge press machines; inspects equipment and machines for operational functionality3.Provides customer service by providing assistance and information to the public, vendors, and other internal/external departments or agencies, to facilitate events or operations related to assigned area of function4.Prepares, maintains, updates, and/or forwards records, reports, logs, bills, check lists, service orders, and other documentation; and maintains and/or updates databases and online systems, to ensure timely and accurate documentation, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures.5.Performs other duties of a similar nature or levelThis job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.FUNCTIONAL SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:Positions assigned to Solid Waste may be responsible for:Collecting and transporting solid waste and recyclables by driving on assigned routes.Maintaining and inspecting vehicles and equipment.Training contract laborers.TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:High School Diploma or GED and 2 years of experience related to operating heavy machinery; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:-Commercial Driver's License (CDL)-Valid Texas driver's licenseKNOWLEDGE:Applicable tools and equipment related to assigned area of operation;Applicable principles, policies, and procedures related to assigned area of responsibility;Water collection and distribution system maintenance techniques and methods;Maintenance principles related to traffic signs and signals;Occupational hazards and safe work methods;Basic mathematics;General maintenance principles, methods, and techniques;Applicable Federal, State, and City laws and regulationsSKILLS:Performing skilled labor and maintenance in assigned area of responsibility;Operating applicable tools, equipment, and machinery;Installing, repairing, and replacing water pipes, valves, service lines, water meters, traffic signals, and fire hydrants;Preparing and maintaining basic records;Reading and comprehending manuals, specifications, drawings, and blueprints;Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and others sufficient to exchange or convey information.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions, such as, mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibrations; atmospheric conditions, such as fumes, odors, gases, and poor ventilation; hazardous materials, such as chemicals, blood, and other bodily fluids; extreme temperatures; inadequate lighting; work space-related movement restrictions; intense noise; and other environmental conditions, such as, challenging behaviors, imminent danger, and threatening environments; incumbents may also be expected to travel.In order to be hired, applicants will need to pass a background check, a drug screen, physical exam, and a reference check.
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