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Waterjet Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Starfish

Sheet Metal Fabrication Technician

Huntsville, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate degree, or 2 years of formal technical training * 2+ years' experience in shop-based sheet metal fabrication environment programming and operating a CNC waterjet, plasma or laser machine.

All JobsWaterjet Operator JobsWaterjet Operator Jobs in Alabama

Waterjet Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do waterjet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterjet operator in Alabama is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waterjet operator?

Waterjet Operators are skilled technicians who operate waterjet cutting machines, which use high-pressure streams of water, sometimes mixed with abrasive materials, to cut and shape a variety of materials such as metal, stone, glass, and composites. Their responsibilities include setting up the machine, programming cutting paths, monitoring the cutting process, and ensuring the finished product meets quality specifications. Waterjet Operators often work in manufacturing, fabrication, and custom design industries where precision cutting is required. They must also perform routine maintenance on the equipment and adhere to safety protocols. Attention to detail and mechanical aptitude are important skills for this role.

What is the difference between Waterjet Operator vs CNC Machinist?

AspectWaterjet OperatorCNC Machinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or associate degree
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or fabrication shops, operating waterjet cutting machinesMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, operating CNC machines
Industry UsageFabrication, aerospace, automotive, signagePrecision manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, tooling
Common Search/ComparisonWaterjet Operator vs CNC Machinist

While both roles involve operating manufacturing equipment, Waterjet Operators focus on using waterjet cutting machines to precisely cut materials, often requiring less formal education. CNC Machinists operate computer-controlled machines for complex machining tasks, typically needing technical certifications. Both roles are vital in manufacturing industries but differ in tools, skills, and complexity.

What are common challenges waterjet operators face, and how can they be managed?

Waterjet Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances, selecting the correct abrasive material, and troubleshooting machine issues. Managing these requires strong attention to detail, understanding machine maintenance schedules, and clear communication with engineers or supervisors about material specifications. Operators can mitigate errors by closely following setup procedures, performing regular equipment checks, and staying updated on software or technology changes relevant to waterjet cutting. Team collaboration and ongoing training are also key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Waterjet Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by technical or vocational training. Proficiency in using CNC waterjet cutting machines, CAD/CAM software, and basic measurement tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure precision, safety, and efficiency in producing high-quality, custom parts in manufacturing environments.

What are popular job titles related to Waterjet Operator jobs in Alabama?

For Waterjet Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Waterjet Operator jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Waterjet Operator jobs in Alabama are:

Waterjet Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterjet Operator job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,286 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Technician

Starfish

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Torch Technologies

Thank you for your interest in employment with Torch Technologies. We are a 100% employee-owned, Certified Great Place To Work and named Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County, headquartered in Huntsville, AL. Our team provides superior research, development, and engineering services to the Federal Government and Department of War. As one of the nation's top 100 defense companies, the services we provide directly support the men and women who serve our country. Our corporate mission sums up the pride our employee-owners take in the work we do: "Lighting the Pathway of Freedom". And, as a Certified Evergreen ESOP, we have made the commitment to grow and sustain our company for the next 100 years! Come grow with us!

Torch Technologies is looking to hire a motivated Sheet Metal Fabrication Technician to work in a fabrication shop in a prototyping and low-volume manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate must have strong fabrication skills, can work independently, and take pride in clean, accurate work. The Sheet Metal Technician will work within a diverse team of machinists, welders, technicians, and engineers, in a dynamic workplace to develop and produce mechanical hardware solutions for a wide range of applications including commercial, aerospace, and defense systems.

As a Sheet Metal Fabrication Technician your duties will include the following but not limited to:

  • Fabricate sheet metal parts from steel, aluminum, and stainless

  • Measure, cut, bend, notch, and form parts to print

  • Operate shop equipment including:

    • Press brakes

    • Rollers

    • Drill presses and saws

    • CNC Plasma or laser cutting equipment

  • Read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and work orders

  • Deburr, finish, and prep parts for paint or assembly

  • Inspect completed work for quality and accuracy

  • Maintain tools, equipment, and a clean, organized shop

  • Follow all shop safety procedures

Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • Associate degree, or 2 years of formal technical training

  • 2+ years' experience in shop-based sheet metal fabrication environment programming and operating a CNC waterjet, plasma or laser machine.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

  • Ability to read prints and fabricate without constant supervision

  • Strong layout, measuring, and problem-solving skills

  • Experience with press brakes and precision forming

  • Comfortable working with tight tolerances and repeatable parts

  • Dependable, punctual, and quality-focused

Preferred Qualifications:

  • CAD/CAM exposure (SolidWorks, Fusion, etc.)

Workplace safety is a priority at Torch. Candidates must receive and present an OSHA 10-Hour Training Course for General Industry certification (either a card from the Department of Labor or certificate of completion from an authorized trainer) within the first 90 days of employment. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed training prior to employment. Training may be completed online. A list of authorized trainers can be found online at:https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach/training-providers.

Schedule: 4-10's Mon-Thursday

Work Location: Torch Technologies, Huntsville, Alabama

Travel:0-10%

Relocation Assistance Available: No

Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No

#LI-DK1

Benefits:

Torch Technologies is proud to offer a stable and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent, comprehensive benefit package including: ESOP participation, 401(k) match and safe-harbor contribution, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays.

Applying to Torch Technologies:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Torch Technologies is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Torch Technologies, Inc. participates in E-Verify.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Careers Link as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to HR@torchtechnologies.com. Thank you for your interest in Torch Technologies.

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