An apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle orifice formed therein. A highly pressurized fluid source is in fluid communication with the nozzle orifice, wherein a fluid jet is discharged through the nozzle orifice into a chamber downstream of said nozzle assembly which contains entrained air. A sensor is in fluid communication with the chamber for sensing the fluid condition of the entrained air in said chamber which provides an indication of the quality of the nozzle orifice. An alignment portion aligns the orientation of the fluid jet relative to the workpiece based upon the indication of the quality of the fluid jet.