Water Jet Operator
ATS Automation
Summary
The Water Jet Operator is a critical member of the Fabrication team, responsible for setting up, programming, and operating water jet (and laser, where applicable) equipment to produce high-quality components that meet engineering and customer requirements. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to interpret engineering drawings, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The Water Jet Operator directly supports production throughput, quality performance, and on-time delivery.
Job description
Specific Responsibilities
A) Water Jet / Laser Operations
- Set up, program, and operate water jet and laser cutting equipment in accordance with engineering drawings and work instructions.
- Select appropriate materials, tooling, and machine parameters to ensure quality and efficiency.
- Perform program prove-outs and make minor adjustments to ensure dimensional accuracy.
B) Drawing Interpretation & Quality
- Read and interpret 2D mechanical drawings exported from 3D SolidWorks models, including orthographic projections and part parameters.
- Inspect finished parts to verify dimensional accuracy and quality requirements.
- Identify nonconforming parts and communicate issues to the Fabrication Supervisor or Team Leader to support timely resolution.
C) Secondary Operations & Finishing
- Perform basic secondary operations such as tapping, countersinking, and counterboring.
- Clean and deburr finished parts to meet quality and safety standards.
D) Manufacturing Engineering Support
- Provide hands-on support for troubleshooting fabrication and machining processes.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard work.
- Support continuous improvement projects to reduce cycle time, reduce scrap, and increase throughput.
- Participate in design-for-manufacturability reviews with engineering.
E) Equipment Care & Safety
- Perform routine machine maintenance and required preventative maintenance tasks.
- Follow all safety procedures, good manufacturing practices, and ergonomic guidelines.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
F) Teamwork & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate effectively with fabrication, engineering, and quality team members.
- Contribute ideas to improve processes, reduce rework, and increase efficiency.
- Adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working from SolidWorks-generated drawings.
- Exposure to fabrication environments supporting high-mix, low-volume production.
- Prior involvement in continuous improvement initiatives.
Requirements
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating water jet and/or laser cutting equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
- Strong attention to detail with a focus on producing accurate parts with minimal rework.
- Ability to work independently while following established instructions and procedures.
- Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills.
- Manual dexterity and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- HSA & FSA
- Paid Time Off
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Bonus Program
- Employee Stock Purchase
- Referral Program
Company overview
ATS Corporation, commonly known as ATS Automation, is a leading Canadian industrial automation company founded in 1978 and headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing custom automated manufacturing systems for various industries, with a particularly strong focus on life sciences applications. ATS serves medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostics producers, and other healthcare sectors with end-to-end automation solutions. The company's expertise spans assembly systems, conveyance platforms, material handling, vision inspection, and software solutions specifically tailored for regulated environments. With approximately 6,500 employees worldwide and operations across 20+ countries, ATS has established itself as a strategic provider of automation technology for critical healthcare manufacturing processes. Their life sciences division offers specialized solutions for autoinjectors, syringes, inhalers, diagnostic devices, and pharmaceutical fill-finish operations, helping clients achieve higher efficiency, quality control, and regulatory compliance in their manufacturing operations.