CNC Waterjet Operator

100Hires, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

100Hires, Inc. in Houston, TX seeks a skilled CNC Water Jet Operator to join our manufacturing team. You will set up, program, and safely run water jet cutting tables to process a variety of materials to exact specifications.

The ideal candidate reads blueprints, uses CAD/CAM nesting, and maintains a clean, OSHA-compliant workspace. Prior water jet experience and material handling skills are preferred, with strong attention to detail and proactive maintenance mindset.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating CNC water jet machines preferred.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings and blueprints.
• Proficient with CAD/CAM/Nesting software.
• Strong math and measurement skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long shifts.
• Forklift and overhead crane certification or willingness to obtain.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate CNC water jet cutting tables.
• Load and nest CAD/CAM files (.DXF, .DWG) to optimize material yield.
• Handle material loading with overhead cranes or forklift.
• Select and replace wear items like nozzles and garnet media.
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections with calipers, micrometers, etc.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust settings for cut quality.
• Perform routine maintenance and keep workspace clean and safe.

Skills

Reading blueprints

Math skills

CAD/CAM familiarity

Computer basics

Lifting 50 lbs

Forklift cert

Overhead crane cert

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Nesting software

G-code

Measuring tools

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented CNC Water Jet Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, programming, and safely operating our high-pressure water jet cutting tables to process a variety of materials according to exact technical specifications. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, experience reading fabrication blueprints, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, organized workspace.Key Responsibilities:• Set up, calibrate, and safely operate CNC water jet cutting machinery and high-pressure pumps.• Load, translate, and nest CAD/CAM files (such as .DXF or .DWG) into the machine software to optimize material yield and cutting efficiency.• Load and unload raw materials onto the cutting table using overhead cranes, forklifts, or manual lifting equipment.• Select and replace appropriate machine consumables, including focus tubes, orifices, nozzles, and abrasive garnet media based on material type and thickness.• Perform first-article and in-process quality inspections using precision measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and tape measures to ensure parts meet tight tolerances.• Monitor machine operations, water pressure, and abrasive flow rates, making necessary adjustments to resolve cut-quality issues or mechanical errors.• Perform routine preventative maintenance on the water jet system, including cleaning the table, disposing of spent garnet, and checking seals.• Maintain a clean and organized work area, adhering strictly to all company safety guidelines and OSHA standards.Required Qualifications and Skills:• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience in a fabrication or machiningenvironment.• Proven experience operating CNC machinery, with specific experience running water jettables strongly preferred.• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and manufacturingwork orders.• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with machine nesting software or CAD/CAMsystems.• Strong practical math skills, including working with fractions, decimals, and basicgeometry.• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and stand for extended periods during a shift.• Forklift and overhead crane certification, or the willingness to complete on-the-jobcertification.• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.Preferred Experience:• Prior experience operating specific water jet brands (e.g., Romeo, Flow, OMAX, Techni orsimilar equipment).• Experience working with a broad range of materials including stainless steel, carbonsteel, aluminum, plastics, and stone.You should be proficient in:GD&TEquipment TroubleshootingTroubleshooting SkillsCNC ProgrammingG-CodeTape Measure ReadingCNC Machine Setup & ChangeoverPrecision Measurement & Hand MetrologyAdvanced Inspection & Gauge MeasurementMachine Geometry & AlignmentMachine Setups for Production RunsMachines & technologies you'll use:CNC WaterjetCAM Software