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Water Jet Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Jet Operator This role involves setting up and operating a water jet machine based on blueprints and instructions to produce high-quality fabricated parts. You will prepare and run jobs, deburr ...

New

Water Jet Operator This role is located in the Mishawka, IN Enjoy working in an innovative environment where you can make an impact every day to build on our team success? Enjoy working independently ...

Water Jet Operator

Egan, LA

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Water Jet Operator to join our team in Egan, LA. In this crucial role, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining ...

New

Water Jet Operator 1st & 2nd shifts available Earn 15% more by working on 2nd shift Weekly Pay Job Summary Greiner Industries is seeking a skilled Water Jet Operator who is responsible for setting up ...

Water Jet Operator

Egan, LA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Water Jet Operator to join our team in Egan, LA. In this crucial role, you will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining ...

New

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 ...

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We are looking for a motivated CNC Operator / Water Jet Operator to support production and assembly operations. In this role, you will help produce accurate, high-quality parts while working closely ...

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Water Jet Operator information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do water jet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet operator in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water jet operator?

A Water Jet Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining water jet cutting machines, which use high-pressure water streams to cut materials like metal, glass, and composites. They read blueprints, set up machines, and adjust cutting parameters to ensure precision. Operators also perform routine maintenance, inspect finished products for quality, and troubleshoot mechanical issues. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of safety procedures to prevent accidents.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a water jet operator?

As a Water Jet Operator, your typical day involves setting up and calibrating water jet cutting machines, reviewing technical drawings or blueprints, and loading materials for cutting. You'll monitor the cutting process closely to ensure quality and precision, troubleshoot minor equipment issues, and perform routine maintenance on the machines. Collaborating with engineers and quality control staff is common to ensure all finished parts meet specifications. In addition, maintaining a clean and safe work area is a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water jet operator?

To thrive as a Water Jet Operator, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with blueprint reading and geometric tolerances are essential, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Proficiency in operating CNC-controlled water jet machines and knowledge of appropriate safety procedures, as well as any OSHA certifications, are highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, time management, and teamwork skills help operators handle complex projects and collaborate efficiently with colleagues. These abilities ensure accurate, safe, and efficient part fabrication while minimizing waste and equipment downtime.

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What cities are hiring for Water Jet Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Water Jet Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Jet Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Water Jet Operator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Water Jet Operator jobs?

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What states have the most Water Jet Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Jet Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Water Jet Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,297 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

$16 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Water Jet Operator
Summary of Position
The Water Jet Operator is responsible for effectively and efficiently operating the high-
pressure water jet to process and produce high quality products and ensure optimal customer
satisfaction throughout Sunshine Metals, Inc. (SMI)
Responsibilities and Duties

As a minimum, the following is a basic description of typical duties and responsibilities
expected of the Water Jet Operator. These duties are not exhaustive and are subject to
change as the needs of the organization require.

● Responsible for loading and unloading material and parts, proving programs,
operating controls, setting offsets, deburring, and inspection of quality parts for
conformance to requirements on a water jet.
● Studies and interprets drawings, manuals, specifications, or sample parts to
determine dimensions and tolerances of finished products, sequence of operations
and set up of requirements.
● Ensures production rates are met or exceeded.
● Detects equipment malfunctions or out of tolerance machining and adjusts machine,
within capabilities, controls or control media as required to ensure quality of
productions. Reports all machine malfunctions to management.
● Communicates with management, production control, quality, and other shop
personnel for assignments and to resolve machining or quality issues.
● Responsible for keeping equipment and work area clean and orderly and perform
basic preventative maintenance functions on equipment.
● Suggest and implement improvements.
● Communicates all production related items to next shift Water Jet Operator or shift
supervisors.
● Performs other duties as assigned by management.
● Conform to the company’s culture of quality, service, and continuous improvement,
while taking personal responsibility for your own actions and treating fellow
employees, customers, and vendors respectively and ethically.
● Provide management with reports as needed.
● Adhere to Sunshine Metals’ safety rules, regulations, and quality standards.
● Adhere to Sunshine Metals’ policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications
● High school diploma or equivalent
● One or more years of experience in production/equipment operation
● Microsoft Office proficiency, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
● Excellent written and oral communication skills
● Good organizational and problem-solving skills
● Ability to analyze, track, and maintain accountabilities
● Ability to effectively multi-task
● Operate with high integrity, maintaining positive relations with co-workers,
customers, and suppliers
● Strong work ethic; self-motivated
Preferred Qualifications
● Three or more years of experience in production / equipment operation
● One or more years of experience working in metals industry

Physical Requirements

Physical demands can include but not limited to:
● Sitting
● Standing
● Use of hands or fingers
● Kneeling/Crawling/Twisting/Balancing
● Bending/Climbing
● Speaking and Listening
● Close vision (clear vision at 36 inches or less)
Weights to be lifted:
● Up to 50 pounds—With assistance and/or of a lifting device
Weights to be pushed/pulled:
● Up to 50 pounds—With assistance and/or of a lifting device

Benefits:
● 401(k)
● 401(k) Matching
● Tuition Reimbursement
● Paid Time Off
● Health Insurance
● Dental Insurance
● Vision Insurance
● Life Insurance

Working Conditions

Good working conditions. Frequent visual/auditory attention and involvement required to
monitor material being cut on the saw. Requires continuous use of computer to receive and
give information.
Exposure to hazardous machinery, sharp tools, proximity to moving objects, noise, heat,
humidity.