Waterjet and Laser Operator & CAD Technician

About the Company

Our client designs and manufactures custom tooling, protective packaging, and foam-based solutions supporting military and commercial customers. With approximately 30 employees across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, procurement, and sales, they are experiencing significant growth and are seeking a hands-on manufacturing professional to support production operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both CAD work and hands-on machine operation, with the potential to grow into a more CAD-focused role over time.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Waterjet / Laser Operator & CAD Technician to support day-to-day manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have experience modifying and creating AutoCAD drawings, converting files for production, and operating industrial cutting equipment such as waterjets, lasers, CNC machines, or sheet metal fabrication equipment.

This position combines technical CAD work with hands-on production responsibilities. Candidates should be comfortable spending time on the manufacturing floor operating large industrial equipment while maintaining a strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain industrial waterjet and laser cutting equipment.
• Modify, revise, and create 2D AutoCAD drawings for production.
• Convert DWG files to DXF format and prepare programs for machine operation.
• Upload and execute cutting programs through machine interfaces.
• Produce precision-cut foam, polycarbonate, and related materials according to specifications.
• Set up, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and production documentation.
• Inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards and dimensional requirements.
• Assist with laminating foam components and other production tasks as required.
• Support manufacturing schedules by operating equipment and assisting with upcoming projects.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to meet customer deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on AutoCAD experience within a professional setting.
• Experience modifying existing drawings and creating simple 2D layouts.
• Ability to convert DWG files into DXF files for machine production.
• Experience operating CNC, sheet metal, fabrication, laser, or similar manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Comfortable working on your feet for extended periods in a production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating waterjet cutting equipment.
• Experience operating industrial laser systems (BOSS CO2 Laser preferred).
• Experience with CNC machining or 3-axis CNC equipment.
• Background in military manufacturing, defense support, shipyard, or naval repair environments.
• Experience designing tooling molds, foam inserts, packaging solutions, or custom cutouts for tools and equipment.

Equipment Used

• Industrial Waterjet Cutting Systems (6' x 8')
• BOSS CO2 Laser Systems
• Large-format CNC-style cutting equipment
• AutoCAD
• Foam and polycarbonate fabrication equipment

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Medical benefits
• PTO
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Overtime opportunities as business needs require
• Annual holiday bonus program
• Career growth opportunities into more advanced CAD and design responsibilities

Hiring Process

• One on-site interview (approximately 1 hour)
• Meet directly with the hiring leaders and tour the production area
• Brief AutoCAD assessment (5-10 minutes)
• Background check required