Waterjet Operator

Stow, OH
Full Time
Mid Level
Summary of Position
The Waterjet Operator is a direct labor position responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient setup and operation of the OMAX abrasive waterjet to produce parts to print. As a secondary responsibility, the operator cuts raw material to length on the saw(s) to support waterjet and downstream machining operations. The operator inspects their own work to the drawing, keeps work order labor and inventory transactions accurate in the ERP system, and reports scrap and nonconformances promptly so that schedule, cost, and quality information stay reliable.
Scope
  • Primary: Operation of the OMAX abrasive waterjet cutting system, including program setup, material loading, cutting, and part removal.
  • Secondary: Sawing bar, tube, plate, and structural material to length per work order and cut list.
  • Works from work orders, engineering drawings, and nest/cut programs in a configure-to-order and make-to-stock production environment.
  • Accountable for first-piece and in-process verification of own parts to print.
  • Accountable for accurate shop-floor transactions: work order clock in/out, quantities complete, scrap, nonconformance (NC) reporting, and inventory quantities.
  • Supports cell 5S, preventive maintenance, and safety standards in the waterjet and saw areas.
Responsibilities
  • Waterjet Operation: Set up and run the OMAX waterjet; load and select the correct program/nest (OMAX Layout/Make), set material type and thickness, establish origin, and verify cut quality before running production.
  • Waterjet Upkeep: Monitor abrasive (garnet) supply and flow, nozzle/orifice condition, pump pressure, and tank water level; perform daily checks and operator-level PM and record them in the PM log.
  • Sawing: Cut material to length on the saw(s) per work order and cut list; select the correct blade, speed, and feed; manage remnants and drop for reuse; deburr and identify cut pieces.
  • Inspection to Print: Read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, and tolerances; perform first-piece and in-process inspection using tape measures, calipers, micrometers, squares, and other gauges; stop and escalate when parts do not meet print.
  • Work Order Labor: Clock in and out of each work order and operation accurately and in real time so labor hours reflect actual work performed.
  • Transactions: Report quantities completed, move parts to the next operation, and complete required ERP transactions at the time the work is done.
  • Scrap & Nonconformance: Report all scrap with quantity and reason; tag, segregate, and document nonconforming material (NC) and notify the Production Manager and Quality.
  • Inventory Accuracy: Verify and report material and part quantities issued, consumed, and remaining; identify and label remnants and report count discrepancies.
  • Material Handling: Safely load and unload plate and bar stock using overhead crane, hoists, and forklift (when certified); stage finished parts with correct identification and paperwork.
  • Safety & 5S: Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout, and PPE requirements; keep the waterjet, saw, and surrounding area clean and organized.
  • Communication: Report machine issues, material shortages, print or process problems (including through the Process Issue Report), and schedule risks to the Production Manager promptly; communicate status at shift handoff.
  • Continuous Improvement: Participate in daily Gemba walks and suggest improvements to setup time, nesting/material utilization, cut quality, and workflow.
Preferred Education/Experience/Skills
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 1–3 years of experience operating a CNC waterjet, laser, or plasma cutting system preferred; OMAX experience is a strong plus.
  • Experience operating horizontal and/or vertical band saws in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
  • Proficient with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, tape, squares) and shop math (fractions, decimals, metric/imperial conversion).
  • Basic computer skills; experience entering labor and transactions in an ERP or shop-floor system preferred.
  • Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred (certification provided as required).
  • Strong attention to detail, ownership of quality, and dependable attendance.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to communicate problems clearly and early.
Personnel Supervised
Direct:None
Indirect:None
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand and walk for the majority of the shift. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and larger loads with the use of cranes, hoists, or forklifts. Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and handling of heavy, sharp, and wet material. Must have visual acuity to read drawings and measuring instruments. Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, water, abrasive grit, and moving machinery. Required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe safety shoes, and cut-resistant gloves as required.
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