Machine Operator (Water Jet)

Ability Engineering Technology, Inc. is seeking a CNC cutting machine operator to join our fabrication team. This position focuses primarily on operating our high pressure waterjet cutting system, but we are looking for someone interested in growing their skills and building a long term career in advanced fabrication and machining.

Experience with waterjet cutting is helpful but not required. Candidates with experience using laser cutters, plasma tables, CNC routers, maker space equipment, Glowforge machines, 3D printers, or similar digital fabrication tools are encouraged to apply.

We are a short run custom job shop where operators are exposed to a wide variety of projects rather than repetitive production work. Over time, motivated employees may have opportunities to expand their skills into other equipment and technologies used in our shop.

Position Summary

Operate CNC cutting equipment to produce high quality parts for custom engineered systems used in scientific and industrial applications. The role includes material handling, verifying cutting programs, monitoring machine operation, and inspecting finished parts.

This position offers the opportunity to expand into additional fabrication and machining technologies over time, including:

- Additional CNC machining equipment

- CAD based fabrication and programming work

- 3D printing and rapid prototyping tools

- 3D scanning and reverse engineering tools

- General fabrication and shop processes

We are looking for someone interested in developing these skills and becoming a long term member of our fabrication team.

Preferred Experience

- Experience with CNC cutting equipment such as waterjet, laser, plasma, or router tables

- Experience using digital fabrication tools including laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, or similar equipment

- Familiarity with CAD software such as AutoCAD or similar design tools

- Experience handling sheet, plate, or bar materials

- Ability to interpret simple technical drawings or fabrication prints

- Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and basic geometry for material layout

Responsibilities

- Operate CNC cutting equipment to produce parts according to drawings and job requirements

- Load and unload materials and finished parts

- Verify and run cutting programs

- Inspect parts and verify measurements to ensure quality standards are met

- Communicate with production, quality, and engineering staff to coordinate work and resolve issues

- Maintain a clean and organized work area

- Perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment

- Material handling using carts, lifting equipment, or forklifts (AET will provide forklift certification)

- Some occasional company driving may be required. A valid driver's license is required.

Why This Role Is Different

- Work on short run engineering projects rather than repetitive production work

- Exposure to multiple fabrication technologies and processes

- Opportunities to learn CNC machining, prototyping, and scanning technologies

- Work supporting advanced scientific and industrial systems

- Opportunity to grow into additional responsibilities over time

About Ability Engineering Technology, Inc.

Ability Engineering Technology designs and manufactures specialized equipment used in cryogenic and advanced process applications. Our customers include scientific research laboratories, NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and industrial companies worldwide. Founded in 1947, AET is known for producing highly specialized equipment and working on unique engineering projects rather than repetitive production work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Experience:

- Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person