Lead CNC Machinist – 2nd Shift (4pm–3:30am)

Divergent; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Discretionary incentive bonus

Paid vacation

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist to coordinate daily machining operations on high‑precision multi‑axis equipment in a fast‑paced shop. You will lead peer machinists, mentor juniors, and ensure production goals, quality, and safety standards across shifts.

Responsibilities include setting up and operating 3‑axis, 3+2, and 5‑axis machines, applying GD&T, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving continuous improvement with engineering input.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

CNC machining

Multi-axis machining

Leadership / mentoring

GD&T knowledge

Troubleshooting

Tools

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

Job description

Divergent is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist to coordinate daily machining operations on high‑precision multi‑axis equipment in a fast‑paced shop. You will lead peer machinists, mentor juniors, and ensure production goals, quality, and safety standards across shifts.

Responsibilities include setting up and operating 3‑axis, 3+2, and 5‑axis machines, applying GD&T, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving continuous improvement with engineering input.