Lead CNC Machinist (PM Shift)

About the role

The 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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 machining technologies
• Experience supporting rapid production or prototype manufacturing environments
• Prior experience acting as a shift lead, supervisor delegate, or formal peer mentor

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, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge
• 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 integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint

EEO Statement

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.