CNC Machinist III – 3/4/5-Axis Lathe Machinist (Second Shift | Aerospace & Defense)

🔎At a Glance

Company: Barber-Nichols
Location: Arvada, Colorado (On-site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $40 – $54 per hour + shift differential + OT at 1.5x
Sign-On Bonus: $5,000
Shift: Second Shift
Shift Differential: 15% premium over base rate
Overtime: Time and a half over 40 hours
Experience Level: Senior (8+ years machining experience)
Work Authorization: U.S. Person required (ITAR / Security Clearance eligible role)
Published: April 13, 2026

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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 increasing demand for high-precision CNC machining of mission-critical components used in advanced systems such as NASA deep-space missions and U.S. Navy defense programs.

At BN, machinists are essential contributors to technology that powers space exploration, national defense, and advanced engineering innovation.

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The Work You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Set up and operate manual machines in support of CNC machining operations
• Set up and operate 2-axis CNC horizontal machines and VTL lathes
• Set up and operate 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC lathes and machining systems
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing instructions
• Stage, organize, and move materials to support production flow
• Evaluate, select, and requisition tooling and machining supplies
• Perform precision setups and maintain consistent part quality
• Support both prototype and production machining environments
• Work closely with engineering, programming, and quality teams
• Ensure safety, accuracy, and first-time quality across all operations

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Machines, Tools & Environment

You will work with:

• CNC lathes (2-axis, multi-axis, and advanced configurations)
• Vertical Turret Lathes (VTLs)
• Horizontal CNC machining centers
• 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC lathe systems
• Manual machining equipment for support operations
• Precision inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, indicators)
• Aerospace-grade machining environment (ISO / AS9100 standards)

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What We’re Looking For

Required

• 8+ years of CNC machining experience in a job shop / prototype / aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong experience in setup and operation of CNC lathes and/or mills
• Experience with manual machining in support of CNC operations
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
• Strong understanding of tooling, setups, offsets, and machining processes
• Experience working in ISO / AS / MIL-spec environments
• Ability to work with detailed written and verbal instructions
• U.S. Citizenship or eligible U.S. Person status (ITAR requirement)

Preferred

• 5-axis machining experience (lathe or mill-turn environments)
• Experience with VTLs or horizontal machining centers
• Aerospace, defense, or turbomachinery manufacturing background
• High-mix, low-volume prototype machining experience
• Strong quality-driven mindset with attention to precision

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Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Barber-Nichols because:

• You work on world-class aerospace and defense programs
• Every component has real mission-critical impact
• Challenging machining work — not repetitive production runs
• Strong engineering collaboration and technical environment
• Long-term stability with over 55 years of industry excellence
• Opportunity to grow into advanced machining and leadership roles

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Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay

• $40 – $54/hour (based on experience)
• 15% shift differential (second shift)
• Time and a half for overtime (over 40 hours)
• $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 contributions
• Employee stock purchase discount (NYSE: GHM)
• 4 weeks PTO (increasing to 5 weeks with tenure)
• Paid holidays + floating holiday + volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement from day one
• Paid parental, military, jury duty, and bereavement leave
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• Employee wellness and culture programs

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Important Requirements (ITAR / Security Clearance)

This position requires compliance with U.S. export control regulations (ITAR) and eligibility for a U.S. Security Clearance.

Applicants must be:
• U.S. Citizens, or
• Lawful Permanent Residents, or
• Other protected individuals under U.S. export law

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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 categories.

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Apply

Apply today to join Barber-Nichols and contribute to advanced turbomachinery systems that power space exploration, defense, and next-generation energy technologies.