CNC Lead (2nd shift)

Divergent; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Bonus opportunities

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Health benefits

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist to coordinate the daily work of the machining team across rotating shifts in Torrance, CA. The role requires advanced multi‑axis CNC expertise, mentoring peers, and driving process improvements while ensuring top‑tier quality and production performance.

The Lead will set up and operate 3‑axis, 3+2, and 5‑axis machines, validate tooling and fixturing, and collaborate with engineering to optimize manufacturability and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of CNC machining experience with multi‑axis work.
• Experience leading peers, coordinating workloads and mentoring junior technicians.
• Advanced GD&T understanding and setup optimization.
• Experience with dynamic offsets and advanced setup methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Act as floor lead, coordinating peer machinists and maintaining production continuity.
• Mentor less-experienced team members and delegate to supervisor when needed.
• Lead setup and operation of 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis machines.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve manufacturability and efficiency.
• Maintain SOPs, documentation, and quality records across shifts.
• Drive continuous improvements in throughput, quality, and repeatability.

Skills

CNC machining

Multi-axis

Shift leadership

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

GD&T

Troubleshooting

Tools

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Schedule:

This is a 3 - 4 x 11 rotating shift working alternating Wednesdays.

Shifts Available

• Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am)

Purpose

The CNC Lead (internally known as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining team while ensuring top-tier quality and production performance. This role requires specialized expertise, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the independent judgment necessary to solve difficult assignments and drive process improvements. As a role model on the shop floor, the Lead CNC Machinist provides daily direction, mentors less-experienced team members, and acts as a delegate for the supervisor. The operational impact of this role spans weeks to quarters, directly influencing the workgroup and department’s overall standard of execution

The Role

Team Leadership & Daily Direction

• Act as a floor lead, coordinating the work of peer machinists, managing a high workload, and providing daily direction to maintain production continuity across shifts.
• Serve as a dedicated mentor to less-experienced team members; assist the supervisor and act as their delegate when required.
• Foster strong fundamentals and cross-team collaboration, serving as a cultural and technical role model on the shop floor.

CNC Machining Expertise

• Lead setup and operation of advanced CNC equipment including 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis machining centers.
• Support machining execution for complex prototype and production hardware.
• Apply advanced GD&T knowledge to validate setups and machining strategies.
• Troubleshoot complex machining challenges including tooling performance, fixture alignment, machine limitations, and process instability.
• Support machine recovery and process troubleshooting with minimal supervision.

Process Optimization & Innovation

• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve manufacturability and machining efficiency.
• Develop and refine machining strategies including tooling, fixturing, setup methodology, and programming approaches.
• Drive improvements in cycle time, setup reduction, tooling performance, and process repeatability.
• Support implementation of advanced machining techniques and additive manufacturing workflows where applicable.

Production Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with management to define and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring the entire team executes work to established standards.
• Take technical ownership of machining operations from setup through stable production.
• Support production ramp activities and machining scalability initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on throughput, quality, and repeatability.
• Act with urgency to resolve machining issues impacting production schedules or delivery timelines.

Quality & Documentation

• Oversee the accurate maintenance of setup sheets, tooling documentation, and machining records across the workgroup.
• Support inspection teams with measurement validation and machining quality requirements.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor machinists and operators on machining best practices, setups, and troubleshooting.
• Provide technical guidance across shifts to maintain process consistency.
• Promote accountability, craftsmanship, and operational discipline on the floor.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion EHS standards and machining safety practices.
• Identify operational risks proactively and support mitigation efforts.
• Maintain organized and high-functioning machining work areas.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• 5–8 years of CNC machining experience with strong multi-axis machining expertise.
• Demonstrated experience or strong aptitude for leading peers, coordinating workloads, and mentoring junior technicians.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens and Heidenhain controllers.
• Advanced understanding of GD&T and machining process optimization.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex machining processes and setups.
• Experience implementing dynamic work offsets and advanced setup methodologies.
• Ability to operate independently with strong technical ownership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining additively manufactured components.
• Familiarity with gantry CNC systems and advanced machining technologies.
• Experience supporting rapid production or prototype manufacturing environments.
• Prior experience acting as a shift lead, supervisor delegate, or formal peer mentor

Work Environment

• This role operates in a fast-paced, high-mix production environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on engineering changes, supply chain constraints, and program milestones. The environment demands tight cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, logistics, and program teams to ensure daily execution aligns with long-term build plans.
• Success in this environment requires hands‑on engagement on the shop floor, strong systems knowledge, and the ability to anticipate and resolve scheduling risks before they impact key deliverables.
• The culture emphasizes proactive communication, data‑driven decision making, and continuous improvement to meet aggressive program timelines while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and efficiency

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels T04 - T05 as evaluated through our interview process.

• Lead CNC Machinist / T04: $52.00 - $62.00
• Sr. CNC Machinist / T05: $60.00 - $72.00

Pay Range: $52 — $72 USD

What We Offer:

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you’re truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long‑term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We’re committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast‑paced, mission-driven company. Together, we’re disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

EEO Poster

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.

E-Verify: Right to Work

Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)

Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.