Waterjet Operator

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