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

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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 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.

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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

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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

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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 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

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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

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Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay

• $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

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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

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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 characteristics.

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Apply

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