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Waterjet Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

$61K - $79K/yr

With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and ... Waterjet and Mechanical Assembly Processes. * Knowledge of Manufacturing Systems: Prototype ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

$61K - $79K/yr

With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and ... Waterjet and Mechanical Assembly Processes. * Knowledge of Manufacturing Systems: Prototype ...

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Panama City, FL

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

... waterjet and plasma cutting machines, powder painting equipment, and precision measuring ... Experience operating CAD/CAM equipment; able to use 2D CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Apopka, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... operating CNC machines to produce precision components according to engineering drawings and ... Machining & Production • Operate CNC Vertical Machining Centers, CNC Press Brake, CNC Waterjet ...

CNC Machinist 1st Shift

Apopka, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

... operating CNC machines to produce precision components according to engineering drawings and ... Machining & Production • Operate CNC Vertical Machining Centers, CNC Press Brake, CNC Waterjet ...

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Panama City, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

... waterjet and plasma cutting machines, powder painting equipment, and precision measuring ... Experience operating CAD/CAM equipment; able to use 2D CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Panama City, FL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

... waterjet and plasma cutting machines, powder painting equipment, and precision measuring ... Experience operating CAD/CAM equipment; able to use 2D CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD

Field Service Technician

Miami, FL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... and operated business that serves manufacturers of precision machined parts in the United States ... Waterjet/CNC machine tools; Haas CNC Repair background a plus. * Proficient in Spanish.

Showing results 21-40

Waterjet Operator information

See Florida salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do waterjet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterjet operator in Florida is $13.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $14.57 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Waterjet Operator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,268 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Entry Level Machinist - 2nd shift

Mettler Toledo

Lutz, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Mettler Toledo rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities
A sheet metal laser operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining laser cutting machines to shape and cut sheet metal according to precise specifications while maintaining safety and quality standards. What you will do:
  • Read blueprints from designers and engineers
  • Able to load and operate the Timesaver
  • Use hand tools to manually debur parts
  • Operate the waterjet abrasive removal tool
  • Hand tapping sheet metal with mandrel tapper
  • Operate a Bridgeport manual Mill to countersink sheet metal
  • Maintain raw materials (unload raw material trucks, perform cycle counts, load/unload raw material storage racks)
  • Safely move sheet metal materials using the vacuum lift/overhead crane
  • Able to be certified to operate a forklift
  • Following the work schedule as assigned and ability to layout the correct priorities for the work scheduled
  • Ensure all parts produced is confirmed in SAP, tagged and stagged in proper locations
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance on machinery
  • Perform Quality at The Source checks on made parts
  • Accurately record actual labor estimates on all production orders
  • Keep work area(s) clean and organized to 5S standards
  • Other duties as assigned

What You Need to Succeed
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Numeracy skills (calculating Countersink depths, sheet thickness, etc.)
  • Checks height, depth and thickness using micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, gauges, and other precision-measuring instruments
  • Proficient in reading and understanding blueprints and engineered drawings
  • Ability to load and unload machines with various types of materials
  • Ability to prioritize and problem solve
  • SAP system experience
  • Basic Lean Manufacturing understanding
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to sit, stand, squat, bend, push, pull for long periods throughout the day and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50lbs
  • Able to follow written and oral instruction
  • Ability to work in a high paced environment
  • Basic setup knowledge
  • Works well with team members and other departments
  • Dexterity and hand and eye coordination
  • Ability to work overtime

This position is considered safety sensitive and is subject to drug testing as permitted by law.
Our Offer to You
  • Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching - all starting on date of hire
  • Tuition reimbursement, employee wellness programs, plus other perks and discounts
  • Parental and caregiver leave policies
  • All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits
  • Global market strength and worldwide leadership in weighing
  • A brand name that is identified worldwide with precision, quality, and innovation
  • Thousands of patents, design and innovation awards
  • A commitment to extraordinary service on our state-of-the-art equipment

About Mettler Toledo
METTLER TOLEDO is a global leader in precision instruments and services. We are renowned for innovation and quality across laboratory, process analytics, industrial, product inspection, and retailing applications. Our sales and service network is one of the most extensive in the industry. Our products are sold in more than 140 countries, and we have a direct presence in approximately 40 countries. For more information, please visit www.mt.com.
Equal Opportunity Employment
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification. You can find more details in our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.
For those who prioritize precision, Mettler Toledo is precisely where you belong.
Job Reference #
22551
Preferred Location
Florida
Lutz
Job Type
Full-time
Legal Entity
Mettler-Toledo, LLC
1571 Northpointe Pkwy Lutz, FL 33558 United States
+1 (813) 889-9500

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