1st Shift Water Jet Operator

PSA Systems; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

PSA Systems is seeking a motivated CNC Water Jet Operator to join our manufacturing team. You will set up, program, operate, and maintain water jet cutting machines to produce precise components according to technical specs, ensuring quality and safety in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires reading blueprints, selecting tooling, performing inspections, and coordinating with the fabrication team to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC water jet cutting equipment.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and precision measurement.
• Familiarity with Fanuc controls is a plus.
• Basic shop math and mechanical problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC water jet cutting machines from CAD/CAM files.
• Interpret blueprints and production documents to set up cuts.
• Conduct routine machine inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Measure finished parts with micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Assist with material handling and load/unload of parts.
• Adhere to safety standards and PPE protocols.
• Collaborate with team on fabrication and packaging tasks.

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

Quality measurement

GD&T knowledge

Fanuc controls familiarity

Tools

CAD CAM software

SolidWorks

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CNC Water Jet Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining water jet cutting machines to produce precise components according to technical specifications. Your expertise will ensure high-quality production, adherence to safety standards, and efficient workflow. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with advanced machinery in a dynamic manufacturing environment dedicated to precision and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC water jet cutting machines using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software to create accurate cuts on various materials.
• Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and production documents to determine proper machine setup and cutting parameters.
• Conduct routine machine inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
• Measure finished parts using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify dimensional accuracy according to GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Select appropriate tooling and materials handling equipment; assist with loading/unloading raw materials and finished products.
• Follow safety standards in production environments, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to operational procedures.
• Collaborate with team members on fabrication projects, assembly line tasks, or packaging processes as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating CNC machinery, specifically water jet cutting equipment; familiarity with Fanuc controls is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of CNC programming, CAM programming, blueprint reading, and interpreting technical drawings.
• Mechanical aptitude with understanding of shop math, mechanical blueprint interpretation, and industrial equipment troubleshooting.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators for quality control purposes.
• Experience with fabrication processes including welding, stamping presses, CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, press brake machines, and other manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Familiarity with safety standards in production environments and materials handling procedures.
• Basic computer skills including SolidWorks or similar CAD software; experience with factory or manufacturing facility operations is advantageous.
• Valid forklift certification or ability to obtain it; familiarity with hand tools and assembly line work is beneficial.

Join our team if you’re passionate about precision machining and eager to contribute your skills in a fast-paced manufacturing setting! We value safety, quality craftsmanship, and continuous improvement—your expertise will help us deliver top-tier products efficiently and safely.