Water Jet Operator

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc; Souderton (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Health, dental, and vision insurance

HSA and FSA

Job summary

NCC Automated Solutions (now part of ATS NCC) is seeking a Water Jet Operator to set up, program, and operate water jet and laser cutting equipment from engineering drawings. You will ensure dimensional accuracy and quality, while supporting continuous improvement and safe manufacturing practices.

The role requires reading 2D drawings, selecting tooling and parameters, and performing secondary operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience operating water jet and/or laser cutting equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on producing accurate parts with minimal rework.
• Ability to work independently while following established instructions and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate water jet and laser cutting equipment per engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Select materials, tooling, and machine parameters to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Perform program prove-outs and minor adjustments for dimensional accuracy.
• Read and interpret 2D drawings from SolidWorks models; inspect parts for accuracy and quality.
• Identify nonconforming parts and communicate issues for timely resolution.
• Perform basic secondary operations (tapping, countersinking, counterboring) and deburr parts.
• Provide hands-on support for troubleshooting fabrication and machining processes.
• Develop and maintain process documentation and standard work.

Skills

Water Jet Operation

Reading Drawings (2D/3D)

Laser Cutting

Quality Inspection

Teamwork

Safety Compliance

Tools

SolidWorks

Factory Equipment

Job description

Water Jet Operator

Position Title:Water Jet Operator, NCC Automated Solutions

Location:Souderton, Pennsylvania

Reports to:Fabrication Supervisor, NCC Automated Solutions

We are looking for people who share our values.

People who love to innovate.

People who thrive on challenge.

People who love to create and own.

Take your place among the best in the business and grow your career with NCC, and ATS Company. Join an environment where a passion for innovation combines with an uncompromised commitment to quality.

About ATS NCC:

NCC Automated Systems is a Full-Service Automation Systems Integrator with over 30 years of experience. Since 1986, NCC has successfully helped food processing, consumer packaged goods and OEM machine builders streamline and optimize their production with its system knowledge and industry experience with sanitary conveying equipment. NCC proudly manufactures in the U.S., in addition to integrating some of the world’s best automation equipment solutions, we also offer in house mechanical and electrical design and manufacturing.

NCC merged with ATS Automation in September 2021. ATS is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies. Founded in 1978, ATS employs over 6,000 people at 50 manufacturing facilities and over 75 offices in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and China. Our unique track record of innovation and passion for excellence sets us apart as the world’s leader in automation. This comes from years of experience in helping many of the world’s most successful manufacturers with their new product launches, capacity expansions, and productivity improvement initiatives.

Position Summary

The Water Jet Operator is a critical member of the Fabrication team, responsible for setting up, programming, and operating water jet (and laser, where applicable) equipment to produce high-quality components that meet engineering and customer requirements. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to interpret engineering drawings, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The Water Jet Operator directly supports production throughput, quality performance, and on-time delivery.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

A) Water Jet / Laser Operations

• Set up, program, and operate water jet and laser cutting equipment in accordance with engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Select appropriate materials, tooling, and machine parameters to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Perform program prove-outs and make minor adjustments to ensure dimensional accuracy.

B) Drawing Interpretation & Quality

• Read and interpret 2D mechanical drawings exported from 3D SolidWorks models, including orthographic projections and part parameters.
• Inspect finished parts to verify dimensional accuracy and quality requirements.
• Identify nonconforming parts and communicate issues to the Fabrication Supervisor or Team Leader to support timely resolution.

C) Secondary Operations & Finishing

• Perform basic secondary operations such as tapping, countersinking, and counterboring.
• Clean and deburr finished parts to meet quality and safety standards.

D) Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Provide hands-on support for troubleshooting fabrication and machining processes.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard work.
• Support continuous improvement projects to reduce cycle time, reduce scrap, and increase throughput.
• Participate in design-for-manufacturability reviews with engineering.

E) Equipment Care & Safety

• Perform routine machine maintenance and required preventative maintenance tasks.
• Follow all safety procedures, good manufacturing practices, and ergonomic guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Collaborate effectively with fabrication, engineering, and quality team members.
• Contribute ideas to improve processes, reduce rework, and increase efficiency.
• Adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience operating water jet and/or laser cutting equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on producing accurate parts with minimal rework.
• Ability to work independently while following established instructions and procedures.
• Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills.
• Manual dexterity and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working from SolidWorks-generated drawings.
• Exposure to fabrication environments supporting high-mix, low-volume production.
• Prior involvement in continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Part quality and first-pass yield.
• Adherence to production schedules and throughput targets.
• Rework and scrap reduction.
• Compliance with safety and housekeeping standards.
• Contribution to continuous improvement efforts.

Benefits Include

• 401(k) with company matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)