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Water Jet Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NASSCO

The candidate must be able to operate a water jet table, have auto CAD experience and basic computer skills. There is one opening for 1st shift - 6 AM to 2:45 PM (with a 45 lunch break). Shift : ALL ...

IMIA, LLC

CNC Operator

Portsmouth, VA

$30 - $40/hr

CNC Operator REPORTS TO: Project Manager PAY RANGE: $30.00-$40.00 per hour DOE SUMMARY IMIA, LLC is ... Operate CNC Water Jet and CNC Plasma Cutting Machines: Set up, operate, and monitor water jet and ...

IMIA, LLC

CNC Operator

Portsmouth, VA

$40/hr

Title CNC Operator About the Organization IMIA,LLC is the only national marine surface preparation ... Operate CNC Water Jet and CNC Plasma Cutting Machines: Set up, operate, and monitor water jet and ...

IMIA, LLC

CNC Operator

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Title CNC Operator About the Organization IMIA,LLC is the only national marine surface preparation ... Operate CNC Water Jet and CNC Plasma Cutting Machines: Set up, operate, and monitor water jet and ...

IMIA, LLC

CNC Operator-Portsmouth,Virginia

Suffolk, VA

$40/hr

Title CNC Operator About the Organization IMIA,LLC is the only national marine surface preparation ... Operate CNC Water Jet and CNC Plasma Cutting Machines: Set up, operate, and monitor water jet and ...

IMIA, LLC

CNC Operator-Portsmouth,Virginia

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$40/hr

Title CNC Operator About the Organization IMIA,LLC is the only national marine surface preparation ... Operate CNC Water Jet and CNC Plasma Cutting Machines: Set up, operate, and monitor water jet and ...

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Water Jet Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do water jet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet operator in Virginia is $25.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $30.05 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 job?

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 in the Water Jet Operator position, and why are they important?

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 popular job titles related to Water Jet Operator jobs in Virginia? For Water Jet Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Jet Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Water Jet Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Water Jet Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Water Jet Operator job openings:
Water Jet Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Jet Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,832 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Shop Based Shipfitter J4/Water Jet Operator

Shop Based Shipfitter J4/Water Jet Operator

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Norfolk, VA

Other

Posted 13 days ago

General Dynamics NASSCO rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team!  We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Steel Shop. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for one J-4 Shopbased Shipfitter.  The candidate must be able to operate a water jet table, have auto CAD experience and basic computer skills.  There is one opening for 1st shift - 6 AM to 2:45 PM (with a 45 lunch break).

Shift : ALL

Security Clearance: No Clearance

GUIDELINES FOR SHIPFITTER

JOURNEYPERSON 4 (Shipfitter)

Be able to plan and complete work with little supervision using blueprints. 

Be knowledgeable in layout or plates, pipes and structural shapes, including flat layouts and complex layouts involving projection and compound angles. 

Be knowledgeable of ship related nomenclature and be able to locate structures in relationship to frames, longitudinal stringers, centerlines, etc. 

Know weld symbols and how they apply to material preparation for welding. 

Skills should include tack welding, burning, use of various power tools such as shears, saws, presses, etc. 

Must be capable of making templates as needed for fabrications and/or installation of ship structures. 

Must be capable of assembling foundations, deck houses, and specialized structures for all areas of the ship.

Must know the guide lines of 5 S and be aware of the standard items.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:

"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call (757) 543-6801. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

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