The Prototype Fabrication Specialist is responsible for safely operating and maintaining CNC waterjet cutting equipment used to cut a wide variety of materials including metals, plastics, composites, rubber, glass, stone, ceramics, and specialty materials. This position supports manufacturing operations by preparing materials, loading programs, monitoring cutting processes, inspecting finished parts, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Experience with OMAX waterjet systems and OMAX Intelli-MAX software is preferred. 

Responsibilities:

• Operate CNC waterjet cutting machines according to work instructions and safety procedures. 
• Operate and maintain OMAX waterjet equipment, including loading programs, selecting material-specific cutting parameters, monitoring cut quality, and performing routine preventive maintenance. 
• Set up materials, fixtures, and cutting tables for production runs. 
• Load and verify CNC programs and nesting layouts using OMAX Intelli-MAX software, Layout, and Make where applicable. 
• Monitor machine performance during operation and make minor adjustments as required. 
• Inspect finished parts using measuring tools to ensure dimensional accuracy and quality standards. 
• Perform material handling using carts, forklifts, cranes, or lifting devices as trained. 
• Conduct routine machine maintenance including cleaning tanks, checking water levels, replacing nozzles and orifices, monitoring abrasive systems, and supporting pump maintenance. 
• Identify and report equipment issues, material defects, or quality concerns. 
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, work orders, CAD-generated files, and manufacturing specifications. 
• Maintain production records and material traceability documentation. 
• Follow all company safety, quality, and environmental procedures. 
• Assist with other fabrication operations as needed. 

Materials Typically Processed 

Requirements:

• 0-2 years of manufacturing, fabrication, or CNC machine operation experience; 1+ years operating CNC waterjet equipment is preferred. 
• Hands-on experience with OMAX waterjet systems, including machine setup, operation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance preferred. 
• Experience using OMAX Intelli-MAX software, Layout, and Make for program creation, nesting, and machine operation preferred. 
• Ability to select and adjust cutting parameters for a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, plastics, composites, rubber, glass, stone, and other specialty materials. 
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD files, and part prints. 
• High school diploma or GED. 
• Basic math and measurement skills. 
• Ability to use a tape measure, calipers, micrometers, and basic inspection tools. 
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn CNC equipment. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a manufacturing environment. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Preferred:

• Proficiency in operating OMAX, ProtoMAX, or similar CNC waterjet systems. 
• Familiarity with abrasive management, nozzle and orifice replacement, pump maintenance, and machine calibration. 
• Knowledge of material nesting strategies and optimization techniques to maximize material utilization and cutting efficiency. 
• Experience performing first-article inspections and using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges. 
• Technical school, machining, fabrication, or manufacturing coursework. 
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.