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Waterjet Machine Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Kirk-Rudy, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Woodstock, GA

$94K - $124K/yr

Kirk-Rudy, Inc. Is a global leader in innovative machinery solutions for material handling ... and waterjet technology are beneficial * Experience creating and managing Standard Operating ...

Ace Electric

Welder

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Operating tools and machinery and welding equipment. Inspecting and testing welds with precision ... Experience: 2 years' experience welding and experience with CNC plasma table and waterjet table ...

Ace Electric

Welder

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

... Operating tools and machinery and welding equipment. • Inspecting and testing welds with ... table and waterjet table preferred. Working Conditions: • Works in a warehouse setting with ...

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Waterjet Machine Operator information

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How much do waterjet machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterjet machine operator in Georgia is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Waterjet Machine Operator vs CNC Machinist?

AspectWaterjet Machine OperatorCNC Machinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentManufacturing shops, fabrication facilitiesMachine shops, manufacturing plants
Job DutiesOperate waterjet cutting machines, set up materialsProgram, operate, and maintain CNC machines
Industry UsageMetal, stone, glass cutting industriesMetalworking, aerospace, automotive industries

While both roles involve operating precision machinery in manufacturing settings, Waterjet Machine Operators focus on waterjet cutting processes, whereas CNC Machinists program and operate computer-controlled machines. Both require technical skills, but CNC Machinists often need more advanced training or certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on skills and industry focus.

What does a waterjet machine operator do?

A Waterjet Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining waterjet cutting machines that use high-pressure streams of water, sometimes mixed with abrasives, to cut materials such as metal, stone, glass, or composites. These operators read blueprints or instructions to ensure precise cuts, monitor machine performance, and make adjustments as needed to maintain quality and safety. They also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the finished products meet required specifications. Attention to detail and mechanical aptitude are important skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waterjet machine operator?

To thrive as a Waterjet Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience in manufacturing or machining, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC programming, CAD/CAM software, precision measurement tools, and safety protocols is essential. Problem-solving, time management, and teamwork are key soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure precise, efficient production and maintain safety and quality standards in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by waterjet machine operators and how can they be addressed?

Waterjet Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances, troubleshooting equipment issues, and managing abrasive wear on machine components. Staying proactive with regular maintenance, closely monitoring cutting parameters, and collaborating with maintenance teams can help minimize downtime. Additionally, effective communication with engineers and other team members ensures that project specifications are met accurately and efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Waterjet Machine Operator jobs in Georgia? For Waterjet Machine Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waterjet Machine Operator jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Waterjet Machine Operator jobs in Georgia are:
Waterjet Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterjet Machine Operator job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,940 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Kirk-Rudy, Inc.

Woodstock, GA

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer
Company: Kirk-Rudy Inc.
About Kirk Rudy Inc.:
Kirk-Rudy, Inc. Is a global leader in innovative machinery solutions for material handling, printing, mail, and packaging automation. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Kirk-Rudy has led the industry for over five decades, delivering cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service to clients worldwide.
Position Overview:
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Kirk-Rudy, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for guiding the design, development, and lifecycle support of automated systems and equipment. You will lead cross-functional collaborations across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to drive continuous improvement, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions that exceed customer expectations. This role requires strategic problem-solving, effective prioritization across multiple concurrent projects, and a high level of self-direction. You will be expected to mentor others, influence technical direction, and champion innovation, efficiency, and best practices throughout the organization.
Primary Responsibilities:
  1. Mechanical Design and Development: Lead cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Production teams to optimize mechanical designs and assembly workflows. Drive initiatives that improve efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness by setting technical direction and aligning design intent with manufacturing capabilities. Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction, and standardization to increase productivity, shorten cycle times, and support scalable operations.
  2. CAD Design and Documentation: Own and oversee the development and maintenance of complex mechanical designs using CAD and PLM tools (Creo, Windchill, etc.), ensuring strict adherence to Kirk-Rudy design standards. Establish and enforce best practices for documentation, configuration control, and data organization to support design reuse, knowledge retention, and long-term product scalability.
  3. Technical Support amp; Troubleshooting: Serve as a senior technical authority providing expert support to Manufacturing, Service, and Sales teams, and engaging directly with customers when required. Lead the diagnosis of complex mechanical issues, drive root-cause analysis, and implement timely, robust corrective actions. Use insights gained from field and production issues to influence design improvements, strengthen processes, and reduce future risk.
Additional Responsibilities:
  1. Cross-functional Collaboration: Lead cross-disciplinary collaboration with Electrical Engineers, Software Engineers, and key stakeholders to define and deliver fully integrated system-level design solutions. Drive alignment across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to optimize overall performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness, while balancing technical tradeoffs and long-term product strategy.
  2. Continuous Improvement: Actively lead and contribute to design reviews, project reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to elevate product quality, operational efficiency, and innovation. Bring a forward-looking perspective by monitoring industry trends, emerging technologies, and relevant regulatory developments, and translating this knowledge into actionable improvements that strengthen Kirk-Rudy’s competitive position.
  3. Bill of Materials: Own the development and ongoing integrity of bills of materials for assemblies and machines, providing clear technical leadership over component structures and routings within the ERP system. Ensure data accuracy and configuration discipline to support manufacturing execution, cost control, and scalable production.
Qualifications
  • 5-10 years or more experience in Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design, particularly with automated systems such as conveyors, feeders, stackers, packaging equipment, etc.
  • Expertise in CAD software. Experience with CREO, Windchill, and CREO sheet metal or other comparable CAD modeling software
  • Experience in Project Management and Research and Development (R amp;D)
  • Excellent problem-solving, advance analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to guide, motivate, and provide technical direction to others
  • Organizational, time management, and prioritization skills a must
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field from an ABET accredited program
  • Experience in the printing or packaging industry is a plus
  • Additional skills such as 3D printing, CNC programming, laser layout, and waterjet technology are beneficial
  • Experience creating and managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
  • Familiarity with CRM systems and CAD data flow
  • Proficiency in designing Excel algorithms
What Kirk-Rudy Offers:
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • A leadership role within a dynamic, innovative environment that values forward-thinking and problem-solving.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • The chance to work at the forefront of automation technology with a company that is a leader in its industry and committed to the latest technologies and highest standards.

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