CNC Waterjet Operator

Euclid, Ohio | $20–$30/hour | Benefits Starting Day One

Turn a Program into a Precision Part.

Elmet Technologies is hiring a CNC Waterjet Operator to join our manufacturing team in Euclid, Ohio.

This is a hands-on machining role where you’ll operate CNC waterjet equipment to cut precision parts from plate and sheet material. You’ll work from blueprints and work orders, set up the machine for each job, adjust programs and machine parameters, inspect your finished work, and help keep equipment performing at its best. 

f you’re comfortable around CNC equipment, can read blueprints, and take pride in making parts accurately, this is an opportunity to put those skills to work in advanced manufacturing.

What’s In It for You

Your hourly wage is just the beginning. Elmet offers competitive pay, bonuses, benefits, and opportunities to grow.

• $20–$30 per hour
• $250 perfect-attendance bonus every month — up to $3,000 per year
• Quarterly production bonus of up to 9%, based on company performance
• 4% company match on retirement savings
• Benefits starting Day One
• Three medical plan options
• Dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Tuition assistance
• $1,000 employee referral bonus
• Internal growth opportunities

What You’ll Do

As a CNC Waterjet Operator, you’ll take a job from setup through inspection, making sure the finished part meets the requirements before it moves forward.

During a typical shift, you’ll:

• Read and interpret blueprints, routing sheets, sketches, and other technical information
• Determine cutting requirements and appropriate machine setup
• Perform daily startup and shutdown procedures on waterjet equipment
• Load and unload plate and sheet material onto the cutting table
• Select and set up nozzles based on material type and thickness
• Load CNC programs and set machine parameters for the job
• Make adjustments to preprogrammed instructions when needed to meet product requirements
• Remove finished components and inspect them for defects and complete cuts
• Perform initial part inspections and verify quality requirements
• Use precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Keep work moving according to the production schedule
• Troubleshoot control or programming issues with supervisors and programming personnel
• Operate equipment manually when needed to complete non-automated functions
• Load abrasive material into equipment as required
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and cleaning
• Maintain 5S standards and keep your work area clean, safe, and organized

The source role gives the operator meaningful responsibility for setup and machine performance, including nozzle selection, program loading, parameter settings, program adjustments, inspection, and troubleshooting. 

You Could Be a Great Fit!

We’re looking for someone who combines mechanical ability with attention to detail. You could be a strong fit if you:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Can read and interpret complex blueprints and layouts
• Understand general manufacturing tolerances
• Are comfortable using math as part of machine setup and production
• Can use precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Pay close attention to details and product quality
• Are comfortable troubleshooting equipment and production issues
• Can follow established work instructions and production requirements
• Are dependable and work well as part of a team
• Take safety and equipment care seriously
• Can work independently within established procedures

Precision Matters

You’ll be working with equipment including:

CNC Waterjet Equipment • Optical Comparators • Micrometers • Dial Calipers • Dial Indicators • Other Precision Inspection Tools

This isn’t simply loading material and pressing a button. You’ll need to understand what the blueprint requires, set up the machine accordingly, monitor the cutting process, inspect your work, and make adjustments when the finished product isn’t meeting requirements.

What Success Looks Like

Successful CNC Waterjet Operators:

• Put safety first
• Set up equipment correctly for each job
• Read blueprints and production requirements accurately
• Select the right tooling and machine settings for the material
• Produce parts that meet dimensional and quality requirements
• Inspect their own work and catch problems early
• Make appropriate machine or program adjustments
• Keep production moving according to schedule
• Communicate quickly when programming or equipment problems arise
• Take care of the equipment they operate
• Complete preventive maintenance consistently
• Keep their work area clean and organized
• Minimize scrap, material loss, and equipment damage

The last point matters: the underlying job description specifically identifies material loss and equipment damage as potential consequences when production errors aren’t detected. 

Build Your CNC and Machining Skills

This role gives you the opportunity to strengthen skills that translate across precision manufacturing. You’ll be responsible for more than operating the equipment. As your experience grows, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of how machine setup, programming, material characteristics, cutting parameters, and inspection work together to produce a quality part.

Elmet also offers tuition assistance and internal growth opportunities to help you continue developing your career.

This Is Hands-On Manufacturing Work

This position works directly in an active industrial environment. The job can require frequent movement, climbing, balancing, material handling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Required PPE may include hearing protection, eye protection, steel-toed footwear, and other protective equipment appropriate to the work. 

Build Products That Perform Where It Matters

Elmet Technologies is a U.S.-based advanced manufacturer specializing in high-performance refractory metals and precision-engineered products. At our Euclid facility, you’ll work with specialized materials, equipment, and manufacturing processes where precision, quality, and consistency matter.

As a CNC Waterjet Operator, you’ll have a direct hand in turning raw material into precision components built to meet demanding requirements.

Ready to Put Your CNC Skills to Work?

If you can read a blueprint, understand precision measurements, and enjoy the challenge of turning raw material into an accurately finished part, we’d like to hear from you.

Apply today and build your manufacturing career with Elmet Technologies.

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.