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Waterjet Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtiss-Wright

$21 - $23/hr

CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet/Knife Cutter **SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE** As a CNC Machine Operator, youwill perform the physical tasks involved in operating and maintaining a CNC Knife Cutter ...

Anderson Dahlen Inc

WATERJET OPERATORS

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Waterjet Operator II: 1-3 years of related waterjet, machine operation, fabrication, or equivalent experience preferred. * Must possess basic math skills, including adding, subtracting ...

Anderson Dahlen, Inc.

WATERJET OPERATORS

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Waterjet Operator II: 1-3 years of related waterjet, machine operation, fabrication, or equivalent experience preferred. * Must possess basic math skills, including adding, subtracting ...

Promachbuilt

Machine Operator-Waterjet

Statham, GA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

We are currently seeking a Machinist (Waterjet) for our Statham, GA facility. This position ... Familiarity with operating drill press and saws * Ability to read and interpret detailed blueprint ...

Castle Metals

2nd Shift Machine Operator

Paramount, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Description Position at Banner Industries The Machine Operator is responsible for the setup, calibration, and operation of the waterjet and/or CNC machine. May also inspect products against customer ...

ENTEK Manufacturing LLC

Waterjet Operator

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$21.10 - $32.10/hr

What You'll Do As a Waterjet Operator , you'll operate CNC Waterjet cutting equipment to fabricate ... Monitor machine performance and cut quality throughout production runs * Inspect finished parts ...

ENTEK

Waterjet Operator

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$21.10 - $32.10/hr

Monitor machine performance and cut quality throughout production runs * Inspect finished parts ... Experience operating Flow or similar CNC Waterjet systems * Experience with laser cutting or sheet ...

Accutrex Products

Waterjet Operator

Washington, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Waterjet Operator is responsible for machine setup, loading and unloading materials, setting offsets, monitoring performance, deburring parts, and conducting quality inspections. The role ...

McCloskey Partners

CNC Machine Operator

Broomall, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

The CNC machine Operator is responsible for fabricating parts from a variety of materials according ... In addition to fabricating parts the waterjet operator is also responsible for the following:

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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 the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 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.
More about Waterjet Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Waterjet Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Waterjet Machine Operator job openings:
What states have the most Waterjet Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Waterjet Machine Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Waterjet Machine Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Waterjet Machine Operator jobs are:
Waterjet Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterjet Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet / Knife Cutter-Middleburg Heights,Ohio

Curtiss-Wright

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

CNC Machine Operator - CNC Waterjet/Knife Cutter **SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE**
As a CNC Machine Operator, youwill perform the physical tasks involved in operating and maintaining a CNC Knife Cutter/Waterjet Machine. Successful candidates will be looking for a hands-on role, have strong math skills, mechanical aptitude, operate the CNC efficiently to maintain on time production, and work as a team with other machine operators.
Location: Middleburg Heights, OH (greater Cleveland area)
Schedule: Monday- Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $21-$23/hour
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Ohio. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
We take care of our people!
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture
Your Challenge:
  • Responsible for working as a team with other employees to maintain on time delivery.
  • Accurately following and interpreting instructions, procedures and drawings
  • Setting up, operating and maintaining equipment used in the manufacturing processes
  • Verifying quality of product at the required intervals and verifying accuracy of all work
  • Perform final inspection of products using tape measures, calipers or other measuring devices.
  • Checking and inspecting operation results against predetermined tolerances
  • Recommend process improvements to reduce future discrepancies.
  • Creates / modifies drawings using CAD, scanner, etc. from sketches or layouts provided by customers and converts the drawings to CNC machine language using CAM Software. (As Required)

Your Expertise:
  • 1-2 years of experience in Machine/Waterjet Operator role
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs unassisted
  • Math skills with the ability to convert fractions to decimal and vice versa, find circumference of a circle, and understand units of measure conversions (such as square feet to square inches)
  • Experience working with other team members in daily operational tasks
  • Ability to operate a fork-truck
  • Mechanical ability to maintain / repair equipment
  • Knowledge of CNC / CAD / CAM (Recommended)

Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Nuclear Division offers a comprehensive range of products, information systems, and services that help sustain the safe and reliable operation of nuclear, conventional, and renewable power plants throughout the world. Our extensive experience, advanced technologies and innovative solutions support custom engineered equipment solutions, digitalization initiatives, diagnostics, asset management programs, and new construction.
For more info: https://nuclear.curtisswright.com/brands/ap-services
#LI-YA1
#IND
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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