Fabricator / Water Jet - 2nd Shift

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, California, is seeking a CNC Waterjet Operator on second shift to program, set up, and run waterjet cutting equipment per drawings and work orders.

You will prepare cutting programs, optimize toolpaths, verify tolerances, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety and quality while meeting production needs. Strong reading of blueprints and basic inspection skills are required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires an associate’s degree, certification, or equivalent in a related discipline and two or more years of increasingly responsible experience in fabrication and/or mechanical assembly.
• Requires solid working knowledge of fabrication and assembly policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Must read and understand technical instructions, drawings, and specifications and utilize basic assembly, measuring, and inspection equipment.
• Must be able to independently resolve routine issues, assist with complex issues, and mentor others as needed.
• Ability to work with AN and MS fasteners, AN plumbing, aircraft riveting tools, and laser marking processes.

Responsibilities

• Develops, edits, and optimizes CNC waterjet cutting programs from engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Imports CAD geometry, creates toolpaths, and nests parts to improve material usage while maintaining cut quality.
• Interprets blueprints and travelers to determine material requirements, cutting sequences, and tolerances.
• Sets up and operates CNC waterjet equipment, including material positioning, nozzle setup, and program verification.
• Performs test cuts and first-piece checks to confirm program accuracy and part dimensions.

Education

Associate's degree or certification or equivalent

Tools

AN/MS fasteners

AN plumbing

Aircraft riveting tools

Laser marking equipment

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Under general direction, this position is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC waterjet cutting equipment to produce precision metal and composite parts in accordance with engineering drawings, work orders, and specifications. Responsibilities include preparing and optimizing cutting programs, creating toolpaths and material nests, selecting approved cutting parameters, and verifying dimensional accuracy and cut quality. Work is performed from established instructions and procedures with intermittent review of completed work. Performs routine machine inspections, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance to support safe, reliable, and efficient waterjet operations.

This position works Second Shift: 2:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops, edits, and optimizes CNC waterjet cutting programs from engineering drawings, CAD files, and work instructions for prototype and production parts.
• Imports and prepares CAD geometry, creates toolpaths, and nests parts to improve material utilization while maintaining required cut quality and part configuration.
• Interprets blueprints, specifications, work orders, and travelers to determine material requirements, cutting sequences, and dimensional tolerances.
• Sets up and operates CNC waterjet cutting equipment, including material positioning and securing, machine referencing, nozzle setup, and program verification.
• Selects and adjusts approved cutting parameters, including speed, pierce settings, kerf compensation, and abrasive flow where applicable, based on material and part requirements.
• Performs test cuts and first-piece checks as required, confirming program accuracy, material orientation, and part dimensions before production runs.
• Monitors cutting operations and troubleshoots common programming, setup, and cut-quality issues; makes adjustments within established procedures.
• Inspects cut components using calipers, gauges, and other measuring tools to verify conformance to drawings, specifications, and tolerances.
• Maintains part identification, material traceability, and accurate production records in accordance with work-order and quality requirements.
• Performs routine equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, consumable changes, and minor adjustments to maintain safe and reliable waterjet operation.
• Coordinates with manufacturing and engineering personnel to resolve cutting and programming issues and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and material usage.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires an associate’s degree, certification, or equivalent in a related discipline and two or more years of increasingly responsible experience in fabrication and/or mechanical assembly.
• Requires solid working knowledge of fabrication and assembly policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Must have the ability to read and understand technical instructions, drawings, and specifications and utilize basic assembly, measuring, and inspection equipment.
• Must be able to independently resolve most routine issues, contribute to the solution of more complex, non-routine issues, and provide guidance to less experienced personnel as needed.
• Must have working knowledge of AN and MS fasteners, AN plumbing, aircraft riveting tools, and mechanical assembly practices.
• Experience with part identification methods and laser marking equipment, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply laser marking processes, is required.
• Must have basic to intermediate computer application skills pertinent to the field and the skills necessary to accurately and precisely record technical data.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment is essential, as is the ability to work extended hours as required.

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly

Salary range: 54,000 - 86,625