CNC Machining Engineering Associate

ZipRecruiter; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading technology company transforming vehicle manufacturing. As an ambitious engineer, you will gain hands-on experience in high-precision machining, working alongside experts to optimize processes and enhance production efficiency. This role offers mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Parental Leave

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Professional Development Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience related to CNC machine operation.
• Strong grasp of mechanical design and GD&T.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setting up and operating CNC mills.
• Support execution of CNC programs ensuring compliance.
• Analyze machining operations for process improvement.

Skills

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Engineering Fundamentals

Education

Coursework in CNC Machine Operation

Tools

Siemens CNC Controllers

Heidenhain CNC Controllers

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

At Divergent, we are transforming the way complex vehicle structures are designed and manufactured. Using cutting-edge technologies, we build precision components for land, air, and sea applications. Our CNC machines aren't just making parts—they are enabling the future of high-performance manufacturing.

We are looking for an ambitious, sharp engineer eager to gain real-world, hands-on experience in high-precision machining. This role is designed for someone who wants to bridge the gap between engineering principles and manufacturing execution—someone who is ready to learn, solve problems, and contribute to keeping our machines running at peak performance.

This is not a passive role. You will be embedded in the heart of our machining operations, working alongside experienced engineers and machinists to optimize processes, troubleshoot challenges, and refine manufacturing techniques. We will provide training, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge machining technologies. In return, we expect you to bring a strong engineering mindset, a willingness to take initiative, and a drive to help us continuously improve.

The Role

• Assist with setting up and operating 3+2 and 5-axis CNC mills, learning firsthand how high-performance components are machined.
• Support the execution of CNC programs while ensuring compliance with engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Analyze machining operations and work closely with senior machinists to identify opportunities for process improvement and cycle time reduction.
• Read and interpret blueprints, applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to verify part accuracy.
• Perform routine tool changes, offsets, and basic troubleshooting of machine operations.
• Contribute to manufacturability assessments, helping refine designs for improved efficiency in production.
• Assist in testing new machining strategies, tooling solutions, and work-holding methods to enhance quality and repeatability.
• Conduct basic inspections of machined parts using calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
• Ensure compliance with company and industry quality standards by maintaining accurate documentation of machining parameters and process improvements.
• Follow all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) protocols, actively identifying and communicating potential risks.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• Strong grasp of engineering fundamentals, particularly in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and GD&T.
• Hands-on experience or coursework related to CNC machine operation, setup, or programming.
• A problem-solving mindset, with a focus on diagnosing and resolving manufacturing challenges.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to work in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to learn multi-axis machining concepts, tooling strategies, and process optimization techniques.

Qualifications

• Exposure to Siemens or Heidenhain CNC controllers is a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with additively manufactured components and their machining characteristics.
• Experience with multi-axis CNC machining, dynamic work offsets, or large gantry systems.
• Interest in advanced manufacturing techniques, including hybrid machining processes and automation.

What We Offer

• Real-world, hands-on experience in high-precision manufacturing.
• Mentorship from industry experts, with opportunities to develop technical and problem-solving skills.
• Exposure to cutting-edge CNC technology, including high-performance machining for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications.
• The chance to make an impact, helping drive efficiency and innovation in a rapidly evolving field.

Pay Range$38—$50 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 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 , , , sex, , , , , 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 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.

No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.