Waterjet Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

Summary and Company Background

Votaw Precision Technologies is a trusted leader in the manufacturing of complex precision components, assemblies, and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, quality craftsmanship, and on-time delivery, Votaw supports some of the world's most demanding programs through its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in precision machining, fabrication, welding, and complex assembly operations for mission-critical applications. Votaw Precision Technologies has long been a trusted partner in building mission-critical hardware for some of the most advanced aerospace and defense programs in the world. Our precision components support the International Space Station, nearly every major launch vehicle in operation, high-performance spacecraft (including classified missions), as well as next-generation fighter aircraft, bombers, submarines, radar systems, and ground vehicles.

The Waterjet Operator is responsible for setting up and operating waterjet equipment to produce precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and production requirements. This hands-on role manages material setup, program execution, cutting parameters, in-process inspection, and basic machine troubleshooting while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and productivity.

Essential Functions 

• Set up and operate Flow waterjet cutting equipment to produce precision parts to established specifications and tolerances.
• Review engineering drawings, work instructions, travelers, and DXF files prior to production.
• Load and position material accurately and safely using appropriate material-handling equipment.
• Verify and adjust cutting parameters, abrasive flow, water pressure, pierce settings, and other machine parameters as required.
• Run existing Flow programs and cutting files, verifying program, material, thickness, and part orientation before production.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Monitor cut quality, dimensional accuracy, abrasive consumption, and machine performance throughout production.
• Identify and troubleshoot common cutting, alignment, abrasive, and machine issues and escalate more complex problems as needed.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, and material traceability records.
• Perform routine operator-level maintenance, including abrasive delivery, water levels, nozzle/orifice inspection, housekeeping, and machine checks.
• Follow all safety, PPE, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Programming, Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve issues and maintain production flow.
• Maintain accurate transaction records within ERP/MRP systems and support inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on workflow efficiency, setup reduction, machine utilization, and on-time delivery performance.
• Maintain strict adherence to AS9100 quality standards, traceability requirements, and customer-specific aerospace and defense regulations.
• High awareness and competitive drive to exceed manufacturing metrics, including but not limited to machine utilization, queue time reduction, bottleneck recovery, and setup time reduction.
• Ability to operate lifting devices including overhead gantry cranes and industrial trucks. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment with changing priorities.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.
• Strong preference for experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense. Plus, experience in a job shop environment including build-to-print, custom fabrications and large component manufacturing. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a high-pressure, team-oriented environment.
• Strong understanding of material setup, cutting parameters, and waterjet operation.
• Basic computer skills and ability to work with DXF FILES and production systems.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2-5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, precision machining, manufacturing, production control, materials management, or shop operations preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong aptitude of waterjet operations, specifically the setup of metallic raw material (setup + fixturing experience). 
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing work orders, engineering drawings, and production documentation.
• Experience with Flow Mach 3, Mach 4, or similar Flow Waterjet systems.
• Experience with Flow software/programming and nesting applications.
• Aerospace, defense, or precision-manufacturing experience.
• Experience cutting aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace materials.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and electronic job travelers.
• Knowledge of GD&T and AS9100 quality requirements.
• Ability to obtain forklift or overhead crane experience/certification.

Key Performance Indicators

• Meet established production schedules and machine utilization targets.
• Maintain required dimensional accuracy and first-pass yield.
• Minimize scrap, rework, and machine downtime.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, and material traceability records.
• Maintain compliance with safety, quality, PPE, and housekeeping requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Work Conditions

• Ability to work onsite, including hours outside of a normal working day, to meet critical deadlines. 
• Ability to scan the shop floor to obtain visual job status. 
• This position operates within a precision manufacturing environment supporting the production of mission-critical aerospace and defense components. Success requires a high sense of urgency, attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to coordinate effectively across multiple departments to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations and customer delivery commitments. 

Additional Requirements

• This position requires the use of information or access to hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR. 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Votaw Precision Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets.