CNC Machinist / Tool Maker

The Role

APE is hiring a CNC Machinist / Tool Maker with deep technical expertise and the discipline to apply it consistently. This is a hands-on role in a 4-person shop producing precision components for aerospace, defense, and other discerning customers. The work is varied — different materials, geometries, and tolerances on every job — and it requires someone who can think through a setup, write a clean program, and hold tolerance every time.

We operate under AS9100 and ITAR. The quality standard is built into how we work, not bolted on at the end. If you're the kind of machinist who finds satisfaction in dialing things in — not just getting them done — this is the right environment.

What You'll Do

• Program three axis and five axis CNC mills and lathes from STEP models using MasterCAM; develop efficient toolpaths, select appropriate tooling, and optimize cycle times for production and prototype runs
• Set up, operate, and fine-tune Mazak and Haas mills and lathes across a range of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium, and plastics
• Design and fabricate fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support repeatable production and complex setups
• Inspect your own work using precision instruments (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM) and document results to AS9100 requirements
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability — your input on how a part should be made carries real weight here
• Manage your own job queue, prioritizing across multiple active work orders while maintaining quality and schedule commitments
• Participate in daily morning huddles to align on priorities, flag issues, and coordinate across the shop
• Contribute to continuous improvement — refine processes, document best practices, and help build APE's machining capability into a world-class operation

What We're Looking For

Required

• MasterCAM proficiency — you can program complex 3D parts from STEP models efficiently and accurately (5+ years)
• Journeyman-level machining skills across multiple materials, setups, and machine types
• Strong mathematical and measurement proficiency; you think in tolerances and understand GD&T
• Experience setting up and operating Haas CNC mills and lathes (or equivalent)
• Ability to design and build fixtures and work-holding solutions for non-trivial parts
• A methodical, process-driven approach — you follow the system because you understand why it exists
• Self-directed work habits; you manage your queue, solve problems independently, and ask the right questions when needed
• 3+ years of management experience

Preferred

• Experience mentoring or training less experienced machinists
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD for reviewing and interpreting models
• Prior work in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management system
• Experience with defense or aerospace manufacturing and associated documentation requirements
• Background in mold making or tool and die making

Who Succeeds in This Role

This role fits someone who leads with expertise, not volume. You're analytical, precise, and self-sufficient. You prefer to fully understand a problem before acting on it, and you take personal ownership of the quality of your output. You don't need external motivation to hold a tight standard — that's just how you work.

You communicate directly and factually. You'd rather present a well-reasoned solution than talk through every option. In a team setting, you earn influence through competence, and you're willing to share what you know with others who are serious about learning.

You won't find micromanagement here. We trust people who take ownership of their craft.

Before You Apply

We ask every applicant for this role one technical question. Please include your answer in your application:

What clearance should you have for a 1" diameter steel pin for a slip fit?

About APE

American Precision Engineering specializes in designing and manufacturing precision components for aerospace, defense, and robotics. We bring engineering concepts to physical reality through in-house prototyping, machining, laser cutting, and testing — a complete Design-Thru-Fab capability under one roof. We're an ITAR-registered, AS9100-compliant facility built around a small team of skilled people doing work that matters.