Machine Shop Lead (2nd shift)

Divergent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a Lead CNC Machinist to coordinate the daily work of a high‑volume machining team on rotating shifts in the Los Angeles area. You will lead setup and operation of 3-axis, 3+2, and 5‑axis equipment, mentor peers, and drive process improvements for production continuity across all shifts.

The role requires advanced GD&T, troubleshooting, and ownership of machining programs from setup through stable production in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of CNC machining experience with strong multi‑axis expertise.
• Experience leading peers, coordinating workloads and mentoring junior technicians.
• Advanced GD&T knowledge and ability to troubleshoot complex machining processes.
• Proficiency with Siemens and Heidenhain controllers.

Responsibilities

• Act as a floor lead, coordinating the work of peer machinists to maintain production across shifts.
• Mentor less‑experienced team members and support the supervisor as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve manufacturability and machining efficiency.
• Maintain SOPs, drive continuous improvement, and ensure quality documentation.

Skills

CNC Machining

Multi-axis Machining

Leadership

Mentoring

GD&T

Siemens controllers

Heidenhain controllers

Tooling & Setup

Process Optimization

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.

Schedule: This is a 3 - 4 x 11 rotating shift working alternating Wednesdays.

Shifts Available

• Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am)

Purpose

The Machine Shop Lead (known internally as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining team while ensuring top-tier quality and production performance. This role requires specialized expertise, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the independent judgment necessary to solve difficult assignments and drive process improvements. As a role model on the shop floor, the Lead CNC Machinist provides daily direction, mentors less-experienced team members, and acts as a delegate for the supervisor. The operational impact of this role spans weeks to quarters, directly influencing the workgroup and department's overall standard of execution

The Role

Team Leadership & Daily Direction

• 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.

CNC Machining Expertise

• 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.

Process Optimization & Innovation

• 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.

Production Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Quality & Documentation

• 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.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• 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.

Safety & Compliance

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

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining additively manufactured components.
• Familiarity with gantry CNC systems and advanced