Waterjet Machine Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
Basic Job Purpose:
The Fabrication Manufacturing Engineer is a hands-on manufacturing role responsible for supporting and optimizing daily fabrication operations across laser cutting, waterjet cutting, press brake forming, and related fabrication equipment. This position ensures equipment is utilized effectively, processes are stable, and production teams have the tooling, training, and support needed to meet quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

In addition to operating and supporting key fabrication equipment, this role serves as the primary liaison between Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, efficiency, and production capability.

A key part of this role is developing standardized processes, training operators, and improving consistency across fabrication operations.
Key Responsibilities
Fabrication Equipment Support & Operation

• Operate and support a wide range of fabrication equipment including laser cutting systems, waterjet machines, press brakes, and related downstream processes.
• Assist production teams with daily setup, troubleshooting, and optimization of fabrication equipment.
• Support job changeovers, setup verification, and first-piece validation to ensure quality and repeatability.
• Monitor machine performance and help resolve production issues to minimize downtime and bottlenecks.
• Support preventive maintenance coordination and ensure equipment readiness for production schedules.

Engineering & Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

• Act as the primary liaison between Engineering and Production to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective.
• Review engineering drawings and provide feedback on fabrication feasibility, tooling constraints, and process optimization.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to reduce setup time, improve flow, and minimize rework.
• Collaborate with engineering teams during new product introduction (NPI) to ensure smooth transition into production.
• Help align design intent with real-world fabrication capabilities and limitations.

Production Support, Tooling, Fixtures & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement tooling, fixtures, and work holding improvements to reduce setup time and improve repeatability.
• Evaluate and support procurement of fabrication tooling, dies, and auxiliary equipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, labor efficiency, and throughput gains.
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Assist in implementing corrective actions for recurring production or quality issues.

Training, Standard Work & Process Standardization

• Develop and maintain standard work instructions for fabrication equipment setup, operation, and changeover procedures.
• Create visual aids, setup guides, and process documentation to support operator training and consistency.
• Train operators and production personnel on proper use of laser, waterjet, press brake, and related fabrication equipment.
• Partner with supervisors and engineering to ensure training programs reflect current best practices and updated processes.

Minimum Requirements for Education, Skillset, Qualifications, and Experience:

Required

• A minimum of an associate's degree in manufacturing engineering or related field; equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Experience in a fabrication or metal manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following: laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or press brake operations.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work directly on the shop floor in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong communication skills with both production personnel and engineering teams.

Preferred

• Experience across multiple fabrication processes (laser, waterjet, press brake, forming, or finishing).
• Experience developing or maintaining work instructions or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Knowledge of tooling design and press brake setup optimization.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software for fabrication programming or review.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems or production scheduling tools.
• Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction) or prototype manufacturing.
• Basic understanding of machining or downstream weld/fabrication processes.

Success Measures

• Reduced setup times and variation across shifts/operators
• Improved machine uptime and utilization
• Standardized fabrication processes across equipment and departments
• Assist with effective onboarding and improved operator training effectiveness
• Improved manufacturability feedback loop with Engineering