Waterjet Operator

Location: Lake Crystal

Industrial Fabrication Services (IFS), located in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, is a leading custom metal fabrication facility serving clients across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and worldwide. With a modern 80,000 square-foot facility and a team of approximately 115 skilled professionals, IFS specializes in producing high-quality components for bulk material-handling industries. As a Waterjet Operator, you will play a key role in our production process by operating advanced waterjet cutting equipment to create precise parts from a variety of materials.

IFS is committed to its core values of Service, Innovation, Respect, Value, and Craftsmanship, offering a supportive work environment where safety, quality, and teamwork are prioritized.

Responsibilities

* Set up, operate, and maintain the OMAX MAXIEM 2040 Waterjet to cut parts from steel, rubber, UHMW, composites, plastics, and other materials according to specifications.

* Read and interpret work orders, drawings, cut lists, and basic specifications to ensure accurate production.

* Load, align, secure, and unload materials safely and efficiently.

* Select and verify proper programs, cutting paths, materials, and machine settings prior to cutting.

* Monitor the cutting process and make adjustments to support cut quality, dimensional accuracy, and material utilization.

* Inspect completed parts for dimensions, cut quality, quantity, and material type before releasing to the next operation.

* Complete required production records, material usage documentation, and job tracking accurately.

* Perform routine machine checks, cleaning, and basic preventative maintenance, including garnet removal and tank cleanout.

* Safely handle raw materials and finished parts using forklifts, cranes, carts, or other equipment as needed.

* Communicate machine issues, material shortages, quality concerns, or schedule conflicts promptly to supervisors or team members.

* Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times.

* Support other manufacturing areas as needed based on workload and business needs.

Qualifications

* Ability to read and understand basic blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.

* Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn CNC-controlled equipment.

* Proficiency with basic measuring tools.

* Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality parts.

* Ability to follow safety procedures and work independently once trained.

* Prior experience operating a waterjet, plasma table, laser, CNC machine, saw, or similar production equipment preferred.

* Experience in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment preferred.

* Basic computer skills, including the ability to operate machine controls and production software.

* Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred, or willingness to become trained.

* Ability to regularly stand, walk, talk, and hear; occasionally sit, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

* Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds.

* Ability to safely work around water, garnet, sharp edges, moving equipment, and high-pressure cutting systems.

Benefits

* Competitive wage scale with opportunity for profit sharing after 90 days

* 8 paid holidays

* Personal Time Off

* Health Insurance with employer-funded HRA to reduce deductible
* $50,000 Life Insurance Policy - 100% paid by IFS

* Long Term Disability - 100% paid by IFS

* 401(k) Retirement Plan - IFS matches up to 5%

* Optional participation in Health Savings Account and/or Flexible Spending Account

* Optional Dental and Vision Insurance

* Optional Supplemental Life & Disability Insurance

* Optional Group Accident & Critical Illness Insurance