Wire EDM Programmer / Operator – Houston, TX

Gretna Machine Shop; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clean, organized production environment

Established team and strong knowledge base

Investment in expanding capabilities

Job summary

Gretna Machine Shop in Houston, TX, is hiring for Full-Time EDM Operators and Programmers. The roles involve operating ONA Wire EDM machines, programming, and producing high-precision aerospace and energy components. Applicants should have experience with EDM or CNC machines, the ability to read blueprints, and familiarity with inspection tools. This is a unique opportunity in a clean, air-conditioned facility with room for growth from operator to advanced roles.

Qualifications

• Experience operating EDM or CNC machines.
• Ability to read blueprints and basic GD&T.
• Familiarity with inspection tools like micrometers and calipers.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate ONA Wire EDM machines.
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Inspect parts using various precision tools.

Skills

EDM machine operation

Programming Wire EDM

Reading blueprints

Inspection tools familiarity

Attention to detail

Tools

ONA Wire EDM machines

Micrometers

Calipers

Height gauges

Optical comparators

Job description

At a Glance

Company: Gretna Machine Shop
Location: Houston, TX (Northwest)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range:

• EDM Operator: $20 – $25/hr
• EDM Programmer: $25 – $30/hr
  Shift: Day Shift (with potential future flexibility)
  Overtime: Available
  Experience Level: Entry to Mid (Operator) | Mid-Level (Programmer)
  Work Authorization: U.S. work authorization required

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Why This Role Exists

This role exists to support growing demand for high-precision components at Gretna Machine Shop, particularly in aerospace and energy applications where EDM is critical.

As the shop continues to expand capabilities, this position plays a key role in producing complex parts that require tight tolerances, intricate geometries, and high surface finish standards.

This is a strong opportunity for:

• Operators looking to step into programming
• Programmers who want to work on real, high-spec EDM work

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The Work You’ll Be Doing

• Program, set up, and operate ONA Wire EDM machines
• Develop and edit EDM programs (machine control and/or offline CAM)
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T
• Select proper wire, flushing strategy, and cutting parameters
• Perform setups, offsets, alignments, and first article inspections
• Monitor machining for accuracy, surface finish, and tolerance
• Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and comparators
• Troubleshoot issues (wire breaks, accuracy, process deviations)
• Perform routine maintenance and keep machines running efficiently
• Support production while machines are running (deburring, marking, etc.)
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and machining teams

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Machines, Equipment & Environment

• ONA Wire EDM machines
• Precision inspection tools:
  • Micrometers, calipers, height gauges
  • Optical comparators
• Clean, organized production floor inside a
  50,000 sq. ft. air-conditioned facility

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What You’ll Be Working On

• Parts: Precision aerospace and energy components
• Work Type: High-mix, low-volume + complex geometries
• Tolerances: Tight-tolerance, high-spec work
• Materials:
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • Tool steels
  • Nickel alloys (Inconel, etc.)

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What We’re Looking For

For Operators ($20–$25/hr)

• Experience operating EDM or CNC machines
• Ability to read blueprints and basic GD&T
• Familiarity with inspection tools
• Strong attention to detail and reliability

For Programmers ($25–$30/hr)

• Experience programming Wire EDM (ONA preferred)
• Strong understanding of EDM cutting strategies and parameters
• Ability to interpret complex drawings and GD&T
• Experience with CAD/CAM or offline programming software

Nice to Have

• Aerospace or high-precision manufacturing experience
• Tool & die or mold making background
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement exposure

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Why Machinists Like Working at Gretna Machine Shop

• Work on complex, non-repetitive parts
• Exposure to aerospace and energy components
• Opportunity to grow from operator → programmer → advanced roles
• Clean, air-conditioned shop
• Long-tenured team and strong internal knowledge base
• Investment in equipment and expanding capabilities

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