Waterjet Operator - Night Shift

North Shore Steel; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

North Shore Steel in Houston, TX is seeking an experienced Waterjet Operator to set up, program, operate, and monitor waterjet cutting equipment to produce parts that meet customer specifications and quality requirements.

The ideal candidate will read blueprints, interpret drawings, adjust cutting parameters, and maintain safe, efficient production while documenting quality data and working with the production team.

Qualifications

• Experience operating waterjet cutting equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with waterjet programming software or CAD/CAM.
• Strong attention to detail and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate waterjet cutting equipment according to work orders and drawings.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Load, position, and secure material on the cutting table.
• Program or modify waterjet programs using machine software.
• Adjust cutting parameters based on material type and thickness.
• Monitor performance and adjust to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect completed parts with measuring tools.
• Troubleshoot common equipment and programming issues.
• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs.
• Document work, material usage, production quantities, and quality data.
• Maintain organized work area and housekeeping.
• Follow safety PPE and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance to resolve issues.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Waterjet programming

CAD/CAM

Measuring tools

Mechanical aptitude

Production scheduling

Team collaboration

Safety procedures

Detail orientation

Tools

Waterjet programming software

CAD/CAM

Job description

Shift Start Time: 6 PM (Mon-Fri and weekends as required)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Waterjet Operator to join our manufacturing team in East Houston. This position is responsible for setting up, programming, operating, and monitoring waterjet cutting equipment to produce parts that meet customer specifications, dimensional tolerances, and quality requirements.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in a manufacturing or metal-processing environment, can confidently read blueprints and technical drawings, and understands how to adjust machine parameters to achieve accurate, high-quality cuts. This role requires strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safe and efficient production.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate waterjet cutting equipment based on work orders, drawings, material requirements, and customer specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and cutting requirements.
• Load, position, and secure material on the cutting table to ensure proper alignment and safe operation.
• Program or modify waterjet cutting programs using designated machine software.
• Select and adjust cutting parameters based on material type, thickness, part geometry, and required finish.
• Monitor equipment and cutting performance throughout the production process, making adjustments as necessary to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Inspect completed parts using appropriate measuring tools to verify dimensions, tolerances, and overall quality.
• Identify and troubleshoot common equipment, cutting, and programming issues to minimize downtime and material waste.
• Perform routine equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs as required.
• Accurately document completed work, material usage, production quantities, and quality information.
• Maintain an organized work area and follow established housekeeping standards.
• Follow all company safety procedures, PPE requirements, and equipment operating practices.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, and other team members to resolve issues and improve productivity.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating waterjet cutting equipment strongly preferred.
• Experience in steel processing, metal fabrication, machining, or a similar manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Experience with waterjet programming software and/or CAD/CAM applications preferred.
• Working knowledge of measuring tools and dimensional inspection practices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while working in a production environment.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet production schedules.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a production team.
• Commitment to following established safety, quality, and operating procedures.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Waterjet Operator consistently produces accurate parts that meet customer specifications while minimizing scrap, rework, and machine downtime. This individual takes ownership of equipment performance, identifies problems before they affect production, and works safely and efficiently as part of the broader manufacturing team.