CNC Machining Specialist

Divergent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid vacation and sick time

Health insurance options

Reimbursement for learning initiatives

Job summary

A dynamic technology company in Los Angeles is seeking a CNC Machining Specialist. This role involves leading the setup and operation of advanced CNC equipment to produce precision components in automotive and aerospace sectors. Candidates should have extensive experience with multi-axis CNC machines, proficiency in GD&T, and the ability to mentor fellow machinists. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits for a transformative journey shaping future manufacturing technologies.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with multi-axis CNC machines.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T application for machining.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize and troubleshoot machining processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup and operation of advanced CNC equipment.
• Partner with engineering teams to improve designs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in machining.

Skills

Multi-axis CNC machine operation

GD&T proficiency

Troubleshooting machining processes

Mentoring machinists

Tools

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

Job 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.

Schedule

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

Shifts Available

• Sun – Wed 1st shift (5:00 am – 4:30 pm)
• Sun – Wed 2nd shift (4:00 pm – 3:30 am)
• Wed – Sat 1st shift (5:00 am – 4:30 pm)
• Wed – Sat 2nd shift (4:00 pm – 3:30 am)

Purpose

The CNC Machining Specialist is a technical expert responsible for defining machining approaches and executing complex CNC operations to produce precision components for advanced automotive, aerospace, and high‑performance manufacturing applications. This role operates with broad autonomy, integrating with design and manufacturing engineering teams to develop robust machining strategies that ensure quality, repeatability, and scalability.

The CNC Machining Specialist leads advanced machine setup and operation, independently troubleshoots complex machining challenges, and drives improvements in tooling, work holding, and machining processes. This role also helps define best practices, refine procedures, and mentor other machinists and technicians while supporting continuous improvement and the scaling of high‑precision manufacturing operations.

The Role

CNC Machining Expertise

• Lead the setup, operation, and optimization of advanced CNC equipment including multi‑axis mills (3‑axis, 3+2, and 5‑axis) to produce high‑precision components in prototype and production environments.
• Apply deep knowledge of engineering drawings and GD&T to validate machining strategies and ensure parts meet strict dimensional and quality requirements.
• Diagnose and resolve complex machining challenges such as tool wear, workholding stability, machine performance, and program issues while establishing repeatable solutions and best practices.

Process Optimization and Innovation

• Partner with design and manufacturing engineering teams to influence part design for manufacturability and improve machining efficiency.
• Define and refine machining strategies—including programming approach, tooling selection, and fixturing concepts—to improve cycle time, quality, and process reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support the introduction of new technologies and manufacturing methods, including hybrid and additive‑enabled workflows where applicable.

Quality and Documentation

• Ensure machined components consistently meet internal and industry quality standards through rigorous process control and verification practices.
• Develop and maintain machining standards, setup documentation, and process guidance to ensure repeatability and scalability across operators and shifts.
• Mentor machinists and technicians by sharing technical expertise and promoting strong machining practices across the team.

Safety and Compliance

• Uphold and champion Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards within machining operations.
• Identify process risks and implement improvements to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient machining operations.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to U.S. export controls.
• Extensive experience operating and optimizing multi‑axis CNC machines, including 3‑axis, 3+2, and full 5‑axis machining centers.
• Strong proficiency with Siemens and Heidenhain controllers.
• Advanced understanding of GD&T and its practical application in precision machining and inspection.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize complex machining processes including tooling, fixturing, and program strategy.
• Proven experience machining complex 5‑axis components across multiple alloys (e.g., aluminum, steels, titanium, nickel‑based alloys).
• Experience creating and implementing dynamic work offsets and advanced setup strategies for complex parts and fixtures.
• Hands‑on experience setting up and running complex 5‑axis CNC operations in prototype and/or production environments.
• Experience mentoring machinists and operators, supporting skill development and promoting strong machining practices.
• Ability to develop work instructions, setup documentation, and standardized machining procedures to ensure repeatability and process reliability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining additively manufactured components and working with hybrid additive‑subtractive workflows.
• Familiarity with large‑format CNC systems or gantry‑style machining platforms.
• Strong background in manual machining and turning operations to support tooling, fixtures, and future work.

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.

Additional Requirements

An on‑site skills demonstration (< 60 minutes) is required as part of the hiring process to evaluate technical proficiency and practical machining abilities.

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 Technician / T04: $52.00 – $60.00 per hour
• Senior Technician / T05: $60.00 – $69.00 per hour

Pay Range: $45.12 USD – $72.24 USD.

What We Offer

• Holistic Compensation Package: Competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results‑based incentive bonus opportunities.
• Wellness and Time Off: Paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, and a year‑end shutdown. Paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: HMO and Premium PPO options, company‑sponsored life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Investment in Growth: Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.
• Collaborative and High‑Performing Environment: Fast‑paced, mission‑driven company fostering innovation and integration of people and technology.

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.

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.

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).

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.