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Water Jet Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machine Operator

Cocoa, FL ยท On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Plasma Burn Table, Water Jet, Drill Line, Angle Line, Shear, Press Brake, Plate Processor. A ... The Machine Operator will need to handle multiple projects and communicate with others on the team.

Joby Aviation is seeking a Water Jet Technician with machining experience who is a passionate individual, self-motivated and adaptable in our quick turnaround prototype environment. This role is to ...

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a Water Jet Technician with machining experience who is a passionate individual, self-motivated and adaptable in our quick turnaround prototype environment. This ...

Water Jet Technician

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$31 - $46/hr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a Water Jet Technician with machining experience who is a passionate individual, self-motivated and adaptable in our quick turnaround prototype environment. This ...

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a Water Jet Technician with machining experience who is a passionate individual, self-motivated and adaptable in our quick turnaround prototype environment. This ...

This role is to assist the water jet, fabrication and machine shop teams in cutting parts for fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components while working closely with our internal engineering ...

Water Jet Operator

Painesville, OH ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Waterjet Operator Concord, OH! Mancan Staffing is looking for a Waterjet Operator to join a ... Set up and operate the waterjet cutting center Maintain machine shop cleanliness and organization ...

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

As of Jun 5, 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.

How much does a waterjet cost per hour?

The hourly cost for operating a waterjet machine typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on factors such as machine size, complexity, and operator skill. This includes equipment depreciation, maintenance, and consumables, and does not account for labor costs if an operator is hired separately.

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.
More about Water Jet Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Jet Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Water Jet Machine Operator job openings:
What states have the most Water Jet Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Jet Machine Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Jet Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Net Jet Machine Operator (Overnights)

American Games

Council Bluffs, IA โ€ข On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

DEPARTMENT: Finishing
LOCATION: American Games (504 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, IA)
SCHEDULE: Sunday - Thursday (10:00 PM - 6:00 AM)

What You'll Do

This position is a full-time permanent position in a manufacturing environment which produces charitable and lottery gaming products, including pull-tab tickets (break-open tickets), bingo paper and bingo dabbers.

The Net Jet Operator plays a critical role in overseeing the slit/serialized game sheet production process, ensuring operational efficiency, high-quality output, and compliance with production schedules. This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the slitter and ink jet printing equipment, directing slit line personnel, and troubleshooting production issues while ensuring all quality and safety standards are met.

The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing professional with proven success operating and maintaining slitter and ink jet printing equipment in a high-volume production environment. They possess strong mechanical aptitude and advanced troubleshooting skills, enabling them to quickly address and resolve production issues. They demonstrate leadership in training, guiding, and motivating team members while maintaining a safe, efficient, and organized work environment. Adaptable and dependable, they thrive under pressure, adjust seamlessly to shifting priorities, and consistently deliver high-quality, precise results. With a focus on continuous improvement, they take full ownership of production outcomes and are committed to meeting performance goals and deadlines.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities Include:

  • Set up, operate, and monitor the slitter and ink jet printing equipment to produce game sheets to exact specifications.
  • Adjust machine settings and controls to maintain proper slitting, ink jet printing, and serialization quality.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance and minor repairs to minimize downtime.
  • Ensure all production runs meet established efficiency targets and deadlines.
  • Perform in-process and final quality checks, including print clarity, deal gaps, and alignment.
  • Verify and sign off on non-winning sheet corrections.
  • Maintain strict adherence to QC reminder protocols.
  • Identify and resolve product defects or inconsistencies quickly to prevent waste.
  • Direct slit line personnel, assigning daily tasks and ensuring optimal workflow.
  • Train team members on machine operation, quality standards, and safety practices.
  • Monitor employee performance, providing guidance and corrective action when necessary.
  • Diagnose and resolve issues related to ink jet print quality, slitting precision, and mechanical malfunctions.
  • Coordinate with maintenance or technical support when necessary to resolve complex equipment problems.
  • Accurately complete work center time sheets and production logs by the end of each shift.
  • Record machine performance data, downtime, and corrective actions taken.
  • Follow job ticket instructions and verify all job specifications are met.
  • Always maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Follow all safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Report any safety concerns immediately to supervision.
  • Collaborate with other production departments to meet overall manufacturing goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

What You'll Need

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • 2-3+ years of experience operating manufacturing machinery, preferably in printing, slitting, or converting operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to set up and operate machinery to meet production standards with minimal assistance.
  • Mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong computer skills, including the ability to learn proprietary software.
  • Ability to read and follow detailed instructions, production schedules, and safety guidelines.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to handle employee conflicts professionally and maintain a productive work environment.
  • Attention to detail with a commitment to quality.
  • Must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to work well in a diverse environment.

Additional Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder (sponsorship is not available).
  • Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

TOTAL REWARDS

Competitive Salary | Competitive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Tuition Reimbursement | Generous Paid Time Off | 401k with Company Match | Profit Sharing | Unlimited Referral Bonus Earning Potential | And More!

We appreciate all applicants; however, only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Ensuring the safety of our employees and compliance with industry regulations is our top priority. Therefore, our company enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse and criminal activity. All job offers are contingent upon passing a rigorous background check and drug screen. Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Pollard Games, Inc. dba American Games and International Gamco provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Our Company is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued and accepted. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each employee's differences. We believe that a respectful workplace is also one where a diverse group of employees can be successful, develop and build meaningful careers. We believe that embracing diversity of thought, perspectives and experiences fosters innovation and allows us to deliver better insights and solutions for our partners and is key to our continued growth and success.


Ensuring the safety of our employees and compliance with industry regulations is our top priority. Therefore, our company enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse and criminal activity. All job offers are contingent upon passing a rigorous background check and drug screen. Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification from the hiring process.