Waterjet Operator

About the Role

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.

What You Will Do

• 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 FlowXpert Infinity and FlowPath; 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.

What We Are Looking For

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FlowXpert Infinity, FlowPath, FlowCut, 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, preventive maintenance, and production documentation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works primarily on the manufacturing floor around industrial machinery, noise, water, abrasive media, dust, and changing temperatures. The role requires extended standing and walking, frequent use of hands and arms, bending and reaching, and the safe handling of materials and tooling. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.