Waterjet Operator - 2nd Shift

Hypertherm, Inc.; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Profit sharing

ESOP

Community service time

Environmental stewardship

Job summary

Hypertherm Associates – OMAX in Kent, Washington is seeking a Waterjet Operator for 2nd shift to join our manufacturing team. You will operate waterjet equipment, perform basic machining, and ensure parts meet quality standards in a lean, safety‑driven environment.

We value hands‑on experience with manual and CNC machines, precision measurement, and strong math skills. This role offers a stable, employee‑owned workplace with competitive hourly pay and ESOP benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands‑on experience setting up and operating manual/CNC machines or waterjets in manufacturing.
• HS diploma or GED with proficiency in shop math and geometric concepts.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and work orders, and use precision measuring tools.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate OMAX waterjets to produce parts meeting quality, performance and safety standards.
• Perform machining, assembly and basic packaging operations as required.
• Use calipers, micrometers and height gauges to verify conformance and critical dimensions.
• Make routine machine adjustments and assist with basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Follow work instructions, setup sheets, drawings, and safety requirements.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement for safety and quality.
• Collaborate with teammates and shift leadership to meet daily production priorities.

Skills

Waterjet operation

CNC machines

Manual machines

Shop math

Precision measurement

Reading drawings

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Waterjet Operator - 2nd Shift

Hypertherm Associates - OMAX in Kent, Washington

Are you looking to make a career shift? Looking for a reliable, stable job where you can contribute to a team, learn, and grow? Hypertherm is seeking Machine Operators to join our Kent, Washington manufacturing team supporting our Waterjet product line . This role is ideal for someone with some experience with Machine Operating who enjoys hands‑on production work, consistent schedules, and contributing to a collaborative, lean manufacturing environment.

As a 100% associate‑owned global leader in industrial cutting solutions, Hypertherm offers a stable, people‑centered workplace where quality, safety, and continuous improvement matter.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for producing high‑quality components that meet exacting standards while supporting reliable production flow on 2nd shift.

• Set up and operate OMAX Waterjets to produce parts that meet quality, performance, and safety standards
• Perform machining, assembly, and basic packaging operations as required
• Use precision measurement tools to verify part conformance and dimensional accuracy
• Make routine machine adjustments and support basic troubleshooting to reduce downtime
• Follow work instructions, setup sheets, engineering drawings, and safety requirements
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency
• Collaborate with teammates and shift leadership to meet daily production priorities

Required knowledge, skills, education and experience

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience setting up and operating manual and CNC machines or Waterjets in a manufacturing environment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong working knowledge of shop math, including basic arithmetic, geometry, and Cartesian coordinate systems
• Proven ability to use precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, comparators, and dial indicators
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work orders, and written instructions
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with MS Office
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work reliably on a fixed 2nd‑shift schedule

Preferred experience that differentiates you

• Experience working in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments
• Intermediate machine and process troubleshooting experience
• Comfort using process documentation and setup instructions

Location

Kent, WA

Base pay

$25-$30/hour based on experience

Additional benefits in joining Hypertherm Associates

• Collaborative, 100% employee-owned culture
• N o-layoff philosophy, lasting almost 60 years
• Profit-Sharing and Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP)
• Five days/year paid Community Service Time
• Strong commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Sponsorship of new applicants for employment authorization, or any other immigration‑related support, is not available for this position at this time.

Hypertherm Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome all applications. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.