APM’s Colorado Machine Shop Seeks to Fill Open Positions with Qualified CNC Machinists

[February 4, 2021] Despite the economic climate, and given the challenges faced as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 still delivered an increased demand for Advanced Precision Machining’s milling and machining services. This included continued expansion, steady sales, net profit, and investment in cutting-edge technology to broaden our range of precision manufacturing offerings. Now that our Colorado machine shop is well into the first quarter of what, by early indications, promises to be another year of continued success, we are well aware of the uncertainties that still lie ahead, but we remain confident and positive as we operate in a “new” normal. 

As business conditions inevitably improve, and the manufacturing economy continues to rebound from any damage the virus has dealt, all aspects of APM’s machine shop are experiencing growth. Owing to the hard work of our CNC machinists, our committed customer base, and ongoing demand for the precision parts we manufacture locally, we are still in the midst of an unprecedented period in our company’s development. 

2021 is already shaping up to be another positive one for our balance sheet, and the need for our CNC milling, grinding, turning, and surface finishing services continues to be on the upswing. We’re always looking forward, and we’re optimistic about plans for future facility expansion and additional capital expenditure in new CNC machining equipment. This will allow us to further improve upon efficiency and lower costs. In fact, APM recently upgraded its commitment to part accuracy and precision this year with the purchase of a new coordinate measuring machine (CMM), and we added a Hyundai WIA multi-axis turning center into our lineup. 

Currently, however, we have more pressing concerns that are consuming our focus given today’s labor market. Any thoughts of expanding APM’s machine shop footprint, or investing in new big-ticket equipment, are quickly tempered by one factor; the human factor. There are currently certain economic realities faced by the precision machining sector, and for that matter, the manufacturing industry as a whole. When work orders increase and operations reach capacity, it doesn’t matter how many or what types of machines you possess if you don’t have the necessary personnel to operate them. 

Machine shops today are still facing a familiar reality; a lack of qualified labor. Finding experienced CNC machinists has proven difficult for many shops including APM. To combat this “skills gap”, as it has been coined, there has been a resurgence in apprenticeships, community and technical college curriculums, and vocational school training, all offering machinist instruction and on the job training. The good news is that our staffing levels are adequate, and the labor market is improving, but we are still in need of a few good men or women to realize our full potential, meet increased demand, and move forward on plans for future expansion and growth.

To this end, we are currently accepting applications for a highly skilled journeyman machinist and another good machinist who will both be trained up by co-workers and management. Here is a list of qualifications and benefits... Come join the APM team!

What we’re looking for:

• Experienced in the use of Mastercam CNC software and/or Hurco conversational programming
• Cross-skilled experience on multiple CNC mills and lathes is a plus
• Proven ability to machine a part from a print, CAD model, and material to completion (For top-level machinist)
• Not looking for entry-level at this time; 10 years minimum experience for top-level, 4 years for good machinist. Immediate, full-time, permanent position

Skills/qualifications needed:

• Able to read blue-prints
• Strong understanding of inspection techniques
• Collect, install and set tooling per tool list
• Run production parts
• Adjusts speeds and feeds to maximize production
• Deburs parts as they are machined
• Takes responsibility for organizing and cleaning the work area
• Able to read blue-prints and geometric tolerances
• Initially selects the appropriate tooling
• Ability to work independently and manage time and work
• Some physical effort required (10 to 50 pounds) while loading/unloading parts

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive pay ($18/HR to $32/HR depending on experience) 
• Full-time hours 
• Flexible schedule - 32 hrs. min/week to qualify for health coverage
• Clean work environment
• Friendly co-workers
• Medical benefits
• Paid holidays
• 2 weeks paid vacation after 1yr 

Want to learn more about our open positions, or have a question about our range of services? Contact the expert CNC machinists at APM’s Colorado machine shop for all of your milling and machining needs.

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