At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Water Jet Operator, reporting to the Senior Manager of Advanced Machining. As a Water Jet Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining waterjet cutting machines to produce high-quality precision parts and components. You will work closely with the CNC programming team to understand job requirements and ensure timely and accurate execution of waterjet cutting tasks.
This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Shift hours:
- Frist shift: 6am - 3:30pm
- Second shift: 3pm-12:30am
Responsibilities:
- Operate and maintain waterjet cutting machines to perform cutting, shaping, and profiling of various materials.
- Review work orders, blueprints, or CAD files to determine appropriate cutting specifications and techniques.
- Set up and load materials onto the waterjet machine, ensuring proper alignment and secure clamping.
- Program waterjet cutting paths and parameters based on job requirements, utilizing CNC controls and software.
- Monitor and adjust cutting parameters, including speed, pressure, and abrasive flow, to ensure optimal results.
- Conduct regular inspections of cutting heads, nozzles, and abrasive delivery systems, performing necessary maintenance and repairs.
- Measure and inspect finished parts using precision measuring tools to ensure adherence to specifications and quality standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to machine performance, tooling, or cutting process, escalating complex problems to the supervisor.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, following safety protocols and guidelines at all times.
- Adhere to production schedules and meet assigned deadlines for the completion of waterjet cutting tasks.
- Collaborate with the CNC programming team to provide feedback and suggestions for process optimization and improvements.
- Document work activities, including material usage, machine setup details, and production quantities, accurately and timely.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 3+ years in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- Technical or vocational training in machine operation or related field is preferred.
- Proven experience as a Waterjet Operator or similar role, demonstrating proficiency in operating and maintaining waterjet cutting machines.
- Strong knowledge of CNC controls, programming, and tooling for waterjet cutting.
- Familiarity with reading blueprints, technical drawings, and CAD files.
- Proficiency in using precision measuring tools, such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
- Ability to interpret job specifications and understand cutting requirements.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in work.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Basic computer skills for data entry and machine control.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Physically fit and able to lift heavy materials and operate machinery safely.
Additional Requirements:
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
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What We Do
Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2026, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030.
With more than 1,000 employees at its Long Beach, California headquarters and over a billion dollars in private capital invested, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
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