Waterjet Operator

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Fairfield, OH, US 1 Attachments

Salary Range: $25.00 To $38.00 Hourly

RL Industries is seeking a skilled, hands-on CNC Waterjet Operator to set up, program, operate, inspect, and maintain abrasive waterjet equipment in a custom manufacturing environment. This role supports one-off and repeat production work for customers in the chemical, semiconductor, and defense industries. The right candidate combines machining fundamentals, attention to detail, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

• Set up and operate a Flow 5-axis abrasive waterjet cutting system, including material loading, alignment, fixturing, and unloading.
• Program and prepare cut files using Flow Xpert Infinity and Flow Path; support both 2D and 3D cutting work as assigned.
• Review job travelers, shop instructions, engineering drawings, blueprints, DXF files, and specifications before cutting.
• Select and verify appropriate cut parameters, abrasive flow, tooling, nozzles, offsets, and machine settings for the material and job requirements.
• Nest parts to support material utilization, production efficiency, and downstream operations.
• Monitor cutting performance and make approved adjustments to maintain dimensions, edge quality, and repeatability.
• Inspect completed parts using tape measures, calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring equipment; identify and communicate nonconforming conditions.
• Complete required production, inspection, material, scrap, and machine-maintenance documentation accurately.
• Perform routine machine checks and preventive maintenance, including cleaning, abrasive management, consumable replacement, and basic troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, production, and maintenance personnel to resolve drawing, programming, setup, equipment, and process issues.
• Maintain an orderly work area and follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and safe material-handling practices.
• Assist with deburring, cleanup, material movement, and other fabrication activities as production needs require.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of relevant education and industrial experience.
• Previous experience setting up and operating CNC waterjet, laser, plasma, router, machining, or comparable computer-controlled fabrication equipment. Direct abrasive-waterjet experience is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of CNC fundamentals and job-shop math, including fractions, decimals, basic geometry, and dimensional calculations.
• Ability to load, verify, and make routine adjustments to CNC programs and machine settings.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensional callouts, tolerances, material specifications, job travelers, and written work instructions.
• Ability to use tape measures, calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other applicable inspection tools to verify finished-part dimensions.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to locate, open, verify, and accurately document electronic production files and records.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to recognize abnormal machine operation, diagnose basic cutting problems, and communicate equipment or quality concerns.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures, PPE requirements, and safe material-handling practices.
• Ability to organize assigned work, manage changing priorities, maintain dependable attendance, and complete required documentation with limited supervision.
• Ability to work constructively with engineering, quality, production, and maintenance personnel.

• Experience with Flow Xpert Infinity, Flow Path, Flow Cut, or comparable CAD/CAM and waterjet-control software.
• Experience independently programming or modifying CNC waterjet cut files and nesting layouts.
• Experience operating a 5-axis waterjet or producing parts with complex geometry and tight tolerances.
• Experience cutting metals, composites, plastics, or other materials used in custom industrial fabrication.
• Experience troubleshooting waterjet pumps, cutting heads, abrasive-delivery systems, nozzles, consumables, or cut-quality issues.
• Experience with custom, prototype, low-volume, or frequently changing job-shop production.
• Experience using overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment.
• Experience with deburring, finishing, inspection,…