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Water Jet Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator * Must possess solid troubleshooting and communication skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands listed are representative of those required ...

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator * Must possess solid troubleshooting and communication skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands listed are representative of those required ...

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI

$15.75 - $19/hr

Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator * Must possess solid troubleshooting and communication skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands listed are representative of those required ...

The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating machinery to cut materials according to ... Essential Functions 1. Operate water jet cutting machine to produce precision cut parts according ...

Water Jet Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$22

$35

How much do water jet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet operator in Michigan is $22.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Jet Operator jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Water Jet Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Jet Operator jobs in Michigan? For Water Jet Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Water Jet Operator jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Water Jet Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Jet Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,325 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Lincoln Electric rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Location: Macomb - Mile 
Req ID: 29700 

Job Responsibilities

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Perform machine set-up and operation for cutting materials per given programs

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Set up, fixture, clamp and operate high pressure abrasive water jet machine to cut details and parts to a provided program.
  • Lift or move materials and finished products using overhead cranes / hi-lo
  • Set up assigned jobs according to the given schedule.
  • Conduct equipment checks and notify management and/or maintenance for needed repairs.
  • Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
  • Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
  • Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma/GED, certificate in Machine Tool Technology or equivalent work experience
  • Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator
  • Must possess solid troubleshooting and communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands listed are representative of those required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employees frequently stand, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work from ladders or scaffolds; sitting is occasional. The role requires regularly lifting to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Close vision is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described reflects typical conditions encountered in this role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employees are regularly exposed to electrical shock hazards and frequently to moving mechanical parts.

Export Control Disclaimer: This position will include access to data, technology, and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment with The Lincoln Electric Company (D/B/A Baker Industries) is contingent upon either verifying U.S. person status or obtaining any necessary authorizations. Applicants will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes and information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. The Lincoln Electric Company, at its sole discretion, may choose not to apply for a license for such individuals as whose access to export-controlled data, technology, and/or software source code may require authorization. The Lincoln Electric Company may also decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Workplace harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics is prohibited. Interference with an employee’s ability to perform job duties may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

ATTENTION: THIRD-PARTY RECRUITERS

Lincoln Electric does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Resumes submitted without a signed vendor agreement become the property of Lincoln Electric. No fees will be paid unless recruiting efforts are coordinated through the Recruiting Department.

DISCLAIMER

This position may have access to various types of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or information and tangible items subject to U.S. export controls, as well as be subject to certain customer/contractual requirements.  Therefore, the individual selected for the position may be required to meet certain citizenship, immigration, and/or location-related requirements, as well as screenings, background checks and additional training.  The Company, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to seek a contractual waiver or regulatory export authorization if required.

Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable qualifications, as determined by the Company, as well as adhering to all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be modified at any time at the Employer’s sole discretion.


Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.


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