Entering the machining trade in Fort Collins, CO, often begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships typically last four to five years, requiring extensive training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 288,789 machinists nationwide, with an average weekly wage of $1,043 in Fort Collins, CO, and projects a steady job growth despite limited overall employment changes. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring machinists find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $80,640 annually for experienced professionals.
Posting #: 2025 - 003 Date of posting: April 22nd, 2025 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Residency Requirement: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card) Time commitment: Full Time Travel requirements: None Reporting structure: Reports directly to Owners Salary Range: $28/hr – $38/hr (depending on experience) JOB DESCRIPTION Czero is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time machinist/shop lead for our machining shop, Quixik Machining and Fabrication. Quixik is a spin out from Czero and was started to support Czero’s advanced engineering and research & development activities, where a diverse assortment of projects that need custom and prototype parts machined and fabricated are needed. We also extend our shop to the public where we manufacture low quantities of parts for a broader customer base. Quixik operates as a job shop and focuses on small quantity orders and prototypes as opposed to high volume production. We are seeking an experienced machinist to lead our small machining team. You will utilize your technical proficiency to manage our machining jobs, program our CNC machines (using Fusion), and guide our machinists in machine setup, fixturing, and troubleshooting. You will also be the customer facing individual and will help with job estimates and customer interactions. Because we are a small team, you will also operate and maintain various machining equipment and perform other regular shop duties as needed. We are seeking a machinist who demonstrates adaptability and versatility in a dynamic environment. There will be a lot of flexibility to help direct our shop’s future, and the workload may fluctuate depending on our needs. QUALIFICATIONS There are two primary aspects to this job position. Lead Machinist • Review manufacturing drawings and specifications to gain a thorough understanding of the requirements. This individual will choose how parts will be produced including the machines being used, picking the tooling, ops, fixturing, etc. • Use Fusion to program CNC mills and lathes (Fanuc and Mori Seiki based controls). This individual will be the lead programmer for the shop and will need to be comfortable using Fusion or willing to learn from experience in MasterCAM (or similar). • Setting up equipment and running in the first part, including making custom fixturing as required to complete each step of the manufacturing plan. • Inspecting finished parts for flaws, defects, and conformance to the specifications. • Directing/mentoring machinists that are running the machines and troubleshoot manufacturing issues that come up. Front of House • Customer facing. This includes taking inbound calls and emails, working with customers to understand their needs, choosing raw material and tooling, working with outside vendors, etc. • Use your machining and programming experience to help estimate jobs. No experience in estimating is required but the ability to estimate the amount of time tasks will take is necessary for us to quote work. While this is not a prerequisite, this individual will be expected to learn how to quote jobs. • Managing multiple jobs in the shop with a focus on quality and efficiency. • Willing to be flexible and step into many roles in order to lead the team. Required Experience • A minimum of 4 years (ideally 6 years or more) of experience in a machine shop. Strong references expected. • Machining Skills • Experience with CNC programming using Fusion, Mastercam, or similar. • Experience in running CNC milling machines to produce precision parts. This includes programming, machine setup, fixturing, tool setting, milling, and machine cleaning and maintenance. • Experience in running CNC lathes to produce precision parts. This includes programming, machine setup, fixturing, tool setting, machining, and machine cleaning and maintenance. • Experience machining a wide variety of materials and the ability to adapt/adjust the manufacturing processes to optimize for the material. • Experience running manual mills. • Ability to manage multiple jobs and communicate with the internal team as well as customers. • Ability to take precise measurements of parts for part verification. Experience with metrology equipment and CMMs preferred. • Math skills to take precise measurements and make calculations. • Knowledge of how to operate band saws, grinders, and other tools needed to prepare material or post process parts • Work Approach • High performer. • Detail oriented. • Capable of working well with minimal supervision yet works well with team members. • Willingness to lead and mentor. • Goal driven. • Willing to go the extra mile for the team. • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills. • Critical thinking skills to develop effective manufacturing plans based on specifications. • Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that arise during the manufacturing process. • Ability to lift roughly 50 to 75 pounds and remain stationary throughout long periods of time. • Can work under the pressure of deadlines. • Understanding of health and safety regulations to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. Additional consideration given to those with experience in these areas • Business acumen to create quotes: calculate costs, determine pricing and terms to provide potential customers with accurate estimates for the goods and services. • Experience running 4-axis CNC milling machines • Experience with 3D CAD software. ( Solidworks, Inventor, etc.) • Experience with Fanuc control systems. • Experience with Mori Seiki controls • Experience with surface grinding. • Experience with centerless grinding. • Experience with post processing (sandblasting, painting, powder coating, anodizing, etc.) • Experience with metrology. • Experience using CMMs (we have a Faro CMM Arm) • Experience with welding, sheet metal forming, and other fabrication skills. • Knowledge and experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5. • Experience managing external processes and vendors Education High School Degree or GED required. Advanced technical training, apprenticeship, certificate, or associate degree programs in precision machining is highly desirable. Residency Requirements Must be U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident (Green Card) The right fit for our team Beyond technical ability, we’re looking for someone who is smart, creative, innovative, hardworking, able to handle multiple projects at a time, and tenacious when it comes to a tough challenge. Everyone at Czero enjoys the challenge of tackling hard problems and is willing to put in the time and effort to solve them. Additionally, we have a true team environment, so it’s crucial that you can collaborate effectively with diverse team members. ABOUT CZERO Czero is a dynamic, rapidly evolving engineering services/contract research and development firm committed to delivering high-quality solutions to our clients. Czero specializes in early-stage R&D in the areas of cleantech, energy, power generation, and transportation. We are 18 years old and have delivered on over 400 projects. Our clients include the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, National Labs, Universities, and companies of all sizes including start-ups. Our team takes on wide-ranging engineering challenges, developing new technologies and delivering high quality proof-of-concept prototype systems. We are passionate about the environment, and our work centers on scalable, cost-effective solutions to increase energy efficiency, improve energy storage and delivery, and decrease harmful emissions. Czero has a strong network of partner companies, suppliers, and university collaboration partners, including Colorado State University, often working with university researchers on cutting edge technology development. If you join our team, you will find Czero an interesting, challenging, and rewarding place to work. Your contributions will make a significant impact on high-profile projects that are positive for our clients, the environment, and the economy. We celebrate employment equity and diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state, provincial or local laws. Czero is an equal opportunity employer. RECRUITERS Please do not contact us regarding this or other positions at Czero; we already have an established relationship with a great recruiting team. Thanks!
See More Details >>Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. • Estimated hourly base pay: Level 1: $21.00 (minimum) - $26.25 (midpoint) - $31.50 (maximum) • Estimated hourly base pay: Level 2: $24.11 (minimum) - $30.14 (midpoint) - $45.00 (maximum). Plus, overtime and shift premium. • Long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity • 401(k) match (4.5%) • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members • 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave. • Paid parental leave • Adoption Assistance • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life • Member referral bonus • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending • Voluntary benefits, including: • Home / Auto Insurance discounts • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Are you ready to make your mark? If you’re a CNC Machinist, we have an exciting opportunity for you! In this role, you will report to the Manufacturing Supervisor and take responsibility for setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machining equipment in an industrial setting. This includes mills, lathes, turning centers, or multi-axis machines. This position requires strong troubleshooting skills, moderate decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Working under limited supervision, you will also provide guidance to other team members as needed. If you’re ready to bring your expertise in CNC machining to a dynamic environment and make a meaningful impact, this is the opportunity for you! • * This position is for a first-shift role, working four days a week, Monday through Thursday (4X10), starting 5am. What You Will Be Doing • Set up and operate CNC machines with little or no supervision, performing required process checks and inspections per process documentation. • Adhere to all safety standards, regulations, and operating procedures. • Identify, document, and control nonconforming material per procedures. Implement corrective actions and root cause solutions to address nonconformance. • Use computer programs to enter part data (e.g., serial numbers), log time, access instructions and blueprints, and download programs. • Refer to work instructions, setup sheets, and method documents to correctly set up machines and inspect machined parts. • Utilize various gauging equipment to ensure conformance to engineering specifications and standards throughout the production run. • Collaborate with appropriate teams to develop and implement process plans and improvements. • Clean and maintain measuring instruments and test equipment, inspecting parts for cleanliness (e.g., routed and deburring operations). • Operate precision inspection equipment and perform first-piece checkouts when applicable. • Interpret and follow blueprints to ensure proper task completion. What We Are Looking For • High School Diploma required. • Level 1: 1+ years of experience running CNC machines required. • Level 2: 2+ years of experience running CNC machines required. • Moderate physical activity requiring agility and dexterity, including walking, standing, bending, or lifting/moving objects. • Deburring skills preferred. • Work performed in an area with moderate risk or discomfort that may require special safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or gear. • May be required to pass Near Vision and/or Color Vision examinations. • Experience with a variety of CNC machining equipment, such as mills, lathes, turning centers, or multi-axis machines, preferred. • Ability to read blueprints and interpret technical drawings. • Knowledge of G&M code for CNC programming and troubleshooting. Application window is anticipated to close 30 days from original posting date. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee). Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans
See More Details >>We specialize in precision machining for the aerospace and defense sectors and are known for handling complex, multi-axis parts. We're looking for a skilled 5 axis Mill Machinist to join our growing team. Pay: $24.00-$28.50 (plus shift differential on second and third) Shift: All shifts train on first before moving to designated shift • First: Mon-Thu 6:30am-5:00PM • Second: Mon-Thu 5:00PM-3:30PM • Third: Fri-Sun 5:00AM-5:30PM (weekends) What you bring: • 5+ years of CNC Machinist experience in manufacturing setting • Must have 5-axis mill experience • Experience Operating & Setting up Mazak machines. • Aerospace industry is preferred. • Experience working with Aluminum Metals on CNC Machines. • Skilled in using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other inspection gauges • Familiarity with lathe and milling machine operations. • Knowledge of Mazatrol programming is highly desirable. • Experience with tooling and setup procedures in a machining environment. • Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles is a plus. Join us in this exciting opportunity where your skills will contribute significantly to our production goals while fostering your professional growth in the machining field. APPLY TODAY! #Peg1 Job Type: Full-time Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: • 401(k) • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Vision insurance Schedule: • 10 hour shift • 12 hour shift • Day shift • Morning shift • Night shift • Weekends only Supplemental Pay: • Differential pay • Overtime pay Experience: • CNC milling machine: 5 years (Required) • 5-axis CNC Mill Machine: 2 years (Required) • Mazatrol: 1 year (Required) Shift availability: • Day Shift (Preferred) • Night Shift (Preferred) • Overnight Shift (Preferred) Ability to Commute: • Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Required) Work Location: In person
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