Lead CNC Machinist & Shift Mentor

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Discretionary bonus opportunities

Paid vacation and holidays

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist to coordinate daily machining operations, mentor teammates, and ensure top-tier quality across 2nd and 3rd shift assembly floors.

You will lead setup and operation of 3-axis to 5-axis centers, apply GD&T, and work with engineers to improve manufacturability. Expect a fast-paced, collaborative shop floor with emphasis on safety and continuous improvement.

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 SOPs; take technical ownership of machining operations from setup through stable production.

Skills

CNC machining

Multi-axis machining

Leadership

Mentoring peers

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

GD&T

Tools

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

Job description

Divergent is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist to coordinate daily machining operations, mentor teammates, and ensure top-tier quality across 2nd and 3rd shift assembly floors.

You will lead setup and operation of 3-axis to 5-axis centers, apply GD&T, and work with engineers to improve manufacturability. Expect a fast-paced, collaborative shop floor with emphasis on safety and continuous improvement.