CNC Machining Specialist – 5-Axis Milling

Socket.dev; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 119,459,000 - 219,118,000; Full time

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a skilled CNC Machining Specialist to define machining approaches and execute complex CNC operations for precision components used in automotive and aerospace applications. This role works autonomously and partners with design and manufacturing teams to develop robust machining strategies ensuring quality, repeatability, and scalability.

You will lead advanced machine setup and operation, troubleshoot challenging machining issues, and help define best practices, tooling, and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience operating and optimizing multi-axis CNC machines (3-axis, 3+2, 5-axis).
• Strong proficiency with Siemens and Heidenhain controllers.
• Advanced GD&T understanding applied to precision machining.
• Experience diagnosing complex machining processes including tooling and fixturing.
• Experience machining 5-axis components across alloys (aluminum, steels, titanium).
• Experience mentoring machinists and creating setup documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup, operation, and optimization of advanced CNC equipment.
• Apply engineering drawings and GD&T to validate strategies.
• Diagnose and resolve complex machining challenges.
• Partner with design/manufacturing teams to improve manufacturability.
• Define machining strategies, tooling, and fixturing to improve cycle time.
• Drive continuous improvement and adopt new technologies.

Skills

CNC Machining

5-axis CNC

GD&T

Tooling

Fixturing

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Siemens Heidenhain

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.

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 US 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.

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S03 - S05 as evaluated through our interview process.

• Specialist III - S03: $41.69 - $57.32
• Specialist IV - S04: $48.16 - $66.22
• Specialist V - S05: $55.61 - $76.47

Veterans and candidates with military technical backgrounds in aviation, aerospace, maintenance, robotics, electronics, machining, or industrial operations are encouraged to apply.

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.

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. 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. 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.