Waterjet Operator (Night Shift)

Votaw Precision Technologies LLC•Santa Fe Springs, CA

16h•$30 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

Votaw Precision Technologies is a trusted leader in the manufacturing of complex precision components, assemblies, and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. The Waterjet Operator is responsible for setting up and operating waterjet equipment to produce precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and production requirements. This hands-on role manages material setup, program execution, cutting parameters, in-process inspection, and basic machine troubleshooting while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and productivity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment with changing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a high-pressure, team-oriented environment.
Strong understanding of material setup, cutting parameters, and waterjet operation.
Basic computer skills and ability to work with DXF FILES and production systems.
This position requires the use of information or access to hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by ITAR.

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.
Strong preference for experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense.
Experience in a job shop environment including build-to-print, custom fabrications and large component manufacturing.
2-5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, precision machining, manufacturing, production control, materials management, or shop operations preferred.
Strong aptitude of waterjet operations, specifically the setup of metallic raw material (setup + fixturing experience).
Ability to read and interpret manufacturing work orders, engineering drawings, and production documentation.
Experience with Flow Mach 3, Mach 4, or similar Flow Waterjet systems.
Experience with Flow software/programming and nesting applications.
Aerospace, defense, or precision-manufacturing experience.
Experience cutting aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace materials.
Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and electronic job travelers.
Knowledge of GD&T and AS9100 quality requirements.
Ability to obtain forklift or overhead crane experience/certification.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate Flow waterjet cutting equipment to produce precision parts to established specifications and tolerances.
Review engineering drawings, work instructions, travelers, and DXF files prior to production.
Load and position material accurately and safely using appropriate material-handling equipment.
Verify and adjust cutting parameters, abrasive flow, water pressure, pierce settings, and other machine parameters as required.
Run existing Flow programs and cutting files, verifying program, material, thickness, and part orientation before production.
Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
Monitor cut quality, dimensional accuracy, abrasive consumption, and machine performance throughout production.
Identify and troubleshoot common cutting, alignment, abrasive, and machine issues and escalate more complex problems as needed.
Maintain accurate production, inspection, and material traceability records.
Perform routine operator-level maintenance, including abrasive delivery, water levels, nozzle/orifice inspection, housekeeping, and machine checks.
Follow all safety, PPE, quality, and environmental requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Coordinate with Programming, Engineering, Quality, and Production to resolve issues and maintain production flow.
Maintain accurate transaction records within ERP/MRP systems and support inventory accuracy initiatives.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on workflow efficiency, setup reduction, machine utilization, and on-time delivery performance.
Maintain strict adherence to AS9100 quality standards, traceability requirements, and customer-specific aerospace and defense regulations.
High awareness and competitive drive to exceed manufacturing metrics, including but not limited to machine utilization, queue time reduction, bottleneck recovery, and setup time reduction.
Ability to operate lifting devices including overhead gantry cranes and industrial trucks.