Waterjet Operator

Progressive-Machine-; Town of Victor (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Machine & Design is seeking a Waterjet Operator in Victor, NY. This hands-on role involves programming, setting up, operating, and maintaining waterjet equipment while performing manual machining and inspection to produce high‑quality parts.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Programming, and Production to ensure parts are accurate, efficient, and on schedule. The position requires precision work and strong problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of related manufacturing, fabrication, machining, or waterjet experience preferred.
• Waterjet programming experience using dedicated software.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, operate, and maintain waterjet equipment.
• Review blueprints and job orders to determine part specs and tooling.
• Run trial cuts and adjust machine controls as needed.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts to meet print specs.

Skills

Waterjet programming

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Inspection

Machining

Forklift

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Waterjet software

Measuring tools

Job description

Description

Location: Victor, NY
Department: Fabrication
Schedule: Full-Time | First Shift

Rate: $22.00-29.00/hr

Build Precision. Solve Problems. Make It Happen.

PMD is looking for an experienced Waterjet Operator to join our Fabrication team. This is a hands‑on position for someone who enjoys working with precision equipment, solving manufacturing challenges, and producing high‑quality parts. You will program, set up, operate, and maintain waterjet equipment, while also performing manual machining and inspection activities.

You’ll work with a variety of metals and collaborate with Engineering, Programming, and Production to ensure parts are produced accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.

What You’ll Do:

Waterjet Operations & Programming

• Program, set up, operate, and maintain waterjet equipment.
• Review blueprints, job orders, tooling instructions, and standard charts to determine part specifications, workholding arrangements, cutting feeds and speeds, and tooling requirements.
• Run trial cuts to verify machine settings and programmed information.
• Monitor machine operation and make adjustments to machine controls and waterjet media as needed.
• Create sketches using software when DXF files are unavailable.
• Program parts using dedicated waterjet software.
• Safely load and unload workpieces, using vacuum lift assistance when appropriate.

Fabrication & Machining

• Perform manual machining operations including:
  • Drilling
  • Tapping
  • Counterboring
  • Countersinking
• Work with a variety of materials, including A2, 4140PH, O-1, stainless steel, 1018, aluminum, and other metals.
• Measure, mark, and scribe dimensions and reference points on material and workpieces.
• Select, align, and secure fixtures, cutting tools, accessories, and materials.
• Assist with manual milling and sheet‑metal forming when needed.

Quality & Inspection

• Read and interpret blueprints and GD&T requirements.
• Inspect work in process and completed parts to ensure they meet print specifications.
• Verify dimensional tolerances using micrometers, calipers, surface plates, tape measures, and other inspection equipment.
• Identify and address quality issues before they impact downstream assembly.
• Communicate with Engineering, Production, Programming, and other team members to resolve machining or assembly problems.

Materials, Maintenance & Equipment

• Track raw materials and order replacement sheet stock as needed.
• Maintain inventory of replacement parts and waterjet consumables such as nozzles and garnet.
• Perform scheduled waterjet maintenance, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance activities.
• Monitor items such as intensifier components, hydraulic oils, and replacement seals.
• Maintain accurate job routing information and track budgeted hours.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and orderly.

Safety

• Follow all company safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Operate equipment safely and responsibly.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of related manufacturing, fabrication, machining, or waterjet experience preferred.
• Waterjet programming experience using dedicated software.
• Ability to create basic software sketches when DXF files are unavailable.
• Forklift experience required.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Working knowledge of GD&T.
• Strong understanding of measurement and dimensional inspection.
• Ability to apply basic algebra and mathematical concepts.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to resolve practical manufacturing issues.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Dependable, flexible, and willing to take initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manual milling experience.
• Sheet‑metal forming experience.
• Experience working with a variety of metals and precision components.
• Experience with waterjet maintenance and troubleshooting.

Physical & Work Environment:

This is an active, hands‑on manufacturing position.

• Regularly stand and walk while operating equipment and performing fabrication activities.
• Regularly use hands and arms to reach, handle, and operate tools and equipment.
• Occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, move, push, or pull 50–60 pounds unassisted.
• Work is primarily performed indoors, with occasional outdoor work of approximately 0–15% of the time.
• Work environment has a moderate noise level.
• Must wear required safety equipment and PPE.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join PMD?

At Progressive Machine & Design, you’ll be part of a team that Designs. Builds. Automates. You’ll work on custom manufacturing projects where your skills directly contribute to the quality and success of the finished product.

This is an opportunity to grow your expertise in waterjet programming, precision fabrication, machining, inspection, and equipment maintenance while working alongside experienced manufacturing professionals.

If you take pride in your work, enjoy solving problems, and want to be part of a team building high‑quality custom automation equipment, we’d like to hear from you.

Progressive Machine & Design is an equal opportunity employer.