CNC Mill Machinist III - 3/4/5-Axis Aerospace Precision Machinist (Day Shift)

At a Glance

Company: Barber-Nichols
Location: Arvada, Colorado (On-site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $37 - $48 per hour + potential bonus
Sign-On Bonus: $5,000
Shift: Day Shift
Overtime: May be required
Experience Level: Senior (8+ years machining experience)
Work Authorization: U.S. Person required (ITAR / Security Clearance eligible role)
Published: April 13, 2026

Why This Role Exists

Barber-Nichols is a premier provider of custom turbomachinery solutions supporting the aerospace, defense, cryogenics, and energy industries.

This role exists to support continued production of high-precision, mission-critical components used in some of the most advanced engineering programs in the world - from NASA planetary missions to U.S. Navy defense systems.

At BN, machinists are trusted contributors to technology that directly impacts space exploration, national security, and advanced energy systems.

The Work You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Set up and operate manual and CNC machine tools supporting complex machining operations
• Set up and operate 2-axis CNC horizontal machines and VTLs
• Set up and operate 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC milling machines
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation
• Stage, organize, and move materials to support production flow
• Select, evaluate, and requisition tooling and machining supplies
• Perform precision setups and ensure part quality throughout machining cycles
• Work in a high-mix, low-volume prototype and production environment
• Collaborate closely with engineering, programming, and quality teams
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, precision, and first-time quality

Machines, Tools & Environment

You will work with:

• 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling machines
• Horizontal machining centers
• Vertical turret lathes (VTLs)
• Manual machining equipment as needed
• Precision inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauges)
• Aerospace-grade machining setups in an ISO/AS9100-controlled environment

What We're Looking ForRequired

• 8+ years of CNC machining experience in a job shop / prototype / aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong experience in setup and operation of CNC mills (including multi-axis systems)
• Experience with manual and CNC machining processes
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
• Strong understanding of tooling, offsets, setups, and machining processes
• Experience working in ISO / AS / MIL-SPEC environments
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• U.S. Citizenship or eligible U.S. Person status (ITAR requirement)

Preferred

• 5-axis machining experience
• Aerospace, defense, or turbomachinery manufacturing background
• Experience with VTLs or horizontal machining centers
• Prototype and complex geometry machining experience
• Strong quality-first manufacturing mindset

Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Barber-Nichols because:

• You work on world-class aerospace and defense programs
• Every part you make has real-world mission impact
• Challenging, precision-driven machining (not repetitive production work)
• Highly skilled engineering and manufacturing teams
• Strong culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and accountability
• Long-term stability with 55+ years of engineering excellence

Pay, Benefits & SchedulePay

• $37 - $48/hour (based on experience)
• Eligible for performance-based compensation and bonuses
• $5,000 sign-on bonus

Benefits

• 80% employer-paid medical insurance premiums
• HSA/FSA with company contributions
• 401(k) with up to 7.25% employer contribution (match + profit sharing)
• Employee stock purchase discount (NYSE: GHM)
• 4 weeks PTO (increasing to 5 weeks)
• Paid holidays + floating holiday + volunteer time
• Tuition assistance from day one
• Paid parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leave
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• Employee wellness and culture programs

Important Requirements (ITAR / Security Clearance)

This position requires eligibility under U.S. export control laws (ITAR) and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Applicants must be:
• U.S. Citizens, or
• Lawful Permanent Residents, or
• Eligible protected individuals under U.S. regulations

Equal Opportunity Employer

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, gender, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Apply

Apply now to join a team building advanced turbomachinery systems that power space exploration, defense systems, and next-generation energy technologies.