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Water Jet Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Water Jet Technician

Santa Cruz, CA

$56 - $67/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced Water Jet Technician to cut parts for fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components in collaboration with our Fabrication and Machine Shop ...

Sr. Water Jet Technician

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$56 - $67/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced Water Jet Technician to cut parts for fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components in collaboration with our Fabrication and Machine Shop ...

Sr. Water Jet Technician

Marina, CA

$56 - $67/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced Water Jet Technician to cut parts for fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components in collaboration with our Fabrication and Machine Shop ...

Sr. Water Jet Technician

Santa Cruz, CA

$56 - $67/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced Water Jet Technician to cut parts for fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components in collaboration with our Fabrication and Machine Shop teams. An ...

Trim Die Assistant - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform the set-ups for the trim, drill and arm-drill presses, CNC water jet and conventional machines including any changes or adjustments to bolts, clamps, or assembly at the beginning of each ...

CNC Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this role, you will be responsible drawing review, , operating various routers, water jet and CNC Laser. This candidate will possess extensive knowledge in programming and operating. Attention to ...

Sheetmetal II

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Punch Press, Water Jet, Laser Cut, Press Brake * Set-up tooling on the machine as needed * Maintain machine and its tooling's and identify damaged tooling's * Read CNC program at the machines * Read ...

Service Technician - CA

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We offer the widest range of high-pressure and UHP water jet pump units, blasting equipment, and accessories, all built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With in-house engineering ...

Set-Up Technician

Fremont, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Light water jet programming is a plus Hours/Shift & Location Fremont, CA Day Shift: 5:00am-1:30pm Shift: 1:30pm-10:00pm

Welder and Fabrication Technician

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Process sheet metal utilizing water jet cutting, and various other machine tools * Operate a wide variety of fabrication equipment (CNC press brake, shear roller, mill, lathe, horizontal and vertical ...

Senior Application Engineer, Sheet Metal

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$86K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must have experience with programming and set up of water jet, laser, punch press, brake and simple custom tooling knowledge * Must have knowledge of welding and cost estimations on welding

Jet Press Operator- 2nd Shift

Ontario, CA

$20 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... water roller pressures on presses as needed. • Maintain the work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition and follow safety rules/regulations. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS • High School ...

Mechanical Engineer 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC milling, CNC turning, sheet metal, injection molding, laser cutting, water jet cutting, and 3D printing (metal and plastic). * Solid understanding of structural theory: static, modal, random ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Jet information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do water jet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet in California is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by water jet operators and how can they be managed on the job?

Water Jet operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise cuts on various materials, handling machine maintenance, and ensuring safety due to high-pressure equipment. To manage these challenges, operators should regularly check and calibrate the machinery, follow strict safety protocols, and stay updated with manufacturer guidelines. Working closely with engineers, production managers, and maintenance teams helps address technical issues promptly and ensures smooth workflow within the fabrication or manufacturing environment.

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

To thrive as a Water Jet Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with technical training preferred. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and teamwork are important soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure precise cutting, efficient production, and safe operation in manufacturing environments.

What does a water jet operator do?

Water jet operators are skilled technicians who use high-pressure water jet cutting machines to cut, shape, or engrave a variety of materials such as metal, stone, glass, and composites. They set up and operate these machines, monitor the cutting process, and ensure precision and quality in the final product. Water jet cutting is often used in manufacturing, fabrication, and prototyping because it allows for intricate cuts without generating heat that could damage the material. Operators also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues to keep equipment running efficiently.

What cities in California are hiring for Water Jet jobs?

Cities in California with the most Water Jet job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Jet job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,592 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Sr. Water Jet Technician

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA

$56 - $67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced Water Jet Technician to cut parts for fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components in collaboration with our Fabrication and Machine Shop teams. An ideal candidate is passionate, self-motivated, adaptable, possesses complimentary machining experience who is comfortable working closely with our internal engineering and planning teams. Due to our rapid prototype environment, a flexible, technical and hands-on attitude is important for thinking through various possible approaches to complete jobs on time. We aim to attract, motivate, develop and retain individuals that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our team and bring our EVTOL aircraft to new heights.

Responsibilities
  • Setup, program, and operate waterjets (Flow and Omax) safely and efficiently.
  • Able to diagnose and maintain water jets from daily and weekly basic items to pump rebuilds.
  • Work with a wide variety of raw materials and achieve high quality precision parts.
  • Handle raw materials from rough stock to post processed finished parts.
  • Ability to shift priorities and juggle multiple projects sidelining some to expedite others.
  • Strong ability to communicate with team members, management and engineers in a rapid prototyping environment.
  • Willing to juggle multiple projects often sidelining some projects to expedite others.
  • Communicate job progress through a variety of channels, verbally, Jira (job tickets), Slack, and other process tracking platforms.
  • Perform a variety of manual post machining operations (Deburring, tapping, burnishing, tumblers, knee mill, lathe, etc).
  • Perform a variety of basic platework CNC post machining operations including Prototrak and Haas 3 axis.
  • Demonstrate ability to select appropriate tooling and fixturing for projects based on available tooling library, part material, geometry, features, and tolerances.
  • Collaborate with team members to improve standardized processes.
  • Use of inspection equipment such as calipers and micrometers.
  • Lift and maneuver heavy plate materials safely utilizing a forklift and other means of handling.
  • Interpret GD&T, 3D CAD software, design documents and verbal design instructions to meet engineering requirements.
  • Follows inventory management requirements.
  • Perform basic preventive maintenance servicing and repairs on equipment.
  • Keep the work area clean, organize and label raw material stock, and keep outgoing parts in order.
Required
  • HS Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • 5+ Years experience in relevant work as a Machinist or Water Jet Technician.
  • Ability to safely operate, program and set up water jets.
  • Ability to safely operate manual knee mills and lathes with CNC controls.
  • Ability to safely operate handheld equipment, drill presses, saws, grinders, sheet metal fabrication equipment.
  • Experience in post processing platework with hand tools and other equipment.
  • Follows all Joby safety procedures and standards, including Team Standards.
  • Available to work overtime and weekends.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs unaided.
  • Able to interpret GD&T, blueprints, technical drawings, specifications and follow written instructions.
Desired
  • Forklift experience.
  • 10+ years of working experience in relevant industry.
  • Prior experience with the following: CNC laser, plasma cutter, water jet, router, mill, press brakes.
  • Familiarity with waterjet programming softwares, (Flow OR OMAX/Protomax, preferred).
  • Familiarity with ProtoTrak (or other conversational programming) knee mills.
  • Familiarity with Haas 3 axis (2004 Controller).
  • Basic understanding of G code editing.
  • Prior Fabrication experience.
  • Familiarity with 5S organization and standards.
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (Fusion360, HSM Works, Solidworks, Catia).
  • Familiarity with sheet metal software (SigmaBend preferred).
  • Familiarity with CNC Fiber laser cutters.

The target base pay for this position is $56-$67/hour. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME