CNC Machining Specialist - (Turning Focus)
Divergent · Long Beach, Torrance · $45–$54/hr (stated in the posting)
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 1st shift (5am - 4:30pm)
Wed - Sat 1st shift (5am - 4:30pm)
Purpose
The CNC Machining Specialist is a hands-on technical expert responsible for developing and executing precision machining strategies with an emphasis on CNC turning operations, while maintaining versatility across milling and multi-axis machining environments. This role supports the production of high-performance components for advanced aerospace, automotive, and next-generation manufacturing systems.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this individual partners closely with design and manufacturing engineering to translate complex hardware requirements into robust, scalable machining processes. The role is deeply rooted in shop-floor execution—owning setups, solving problems in real time, and driving machining excellence from prototype through rate production.
This position plays a critical role in building repeatable, high-quality processes, improving throughput, and enabling rapid iteration in a fast-paced production environment.
The Role
Turning & Machining Execution
- Lead setup, operation, and optimization of CNC turning centers (mill-turn and multi-axis lathes) for precision components.
- Execute machining & grinding across a range of equipment as needed, including 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis mills to support production demands.
- Own first article through production runs, ensuring parts meet dimensional, surface finish, and performance requirements.
- Apply advanced understanding of GD&T to validate setups and machining strategies directly on the floor.
Process Development & Optimization
- Define machining strategies across turning and milling operations, including:
- Tooling selection
- Workholding/fixturing concepts
- Program approach and sequencing
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies in cycle time, tool life, and setup methodology.
- Troubleshoot and resolve machining challenges (chatter, tool wear, thermal distortion, tolerance stack-up, machine limitations).
- Partner with engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), especially for turned features and rotational geometries.
Production Ownership & Continuous Improvement
- Take full ownership of machining processes on the floor—from initial prove-out to stable production.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
- Cycle time reduction
- Scrap and rework reduction
- Process capability and repeatability
- Support production ramp by developing scalable processes, standardized tooling, and repeatable setups.
- Act with urgency to resolve blockers impacting delivery schedules and production output.
Quality & Documentation
- Ensure all hardware meets internal and industry quality standards through disciplined process control.
- Develop and maintain:
- Setup sheets
- Work instructions
- Process standards
- Collaborate with inspection teams to validate measurement strategies for tight-tolerance turned features.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformances.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor machinists and operators on turning best practices, machining fundamentals, and advanced techniques.
- Promote strong shop culture centered on accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous learning.
- Provide technical guidance across shifts to ensure consistency and process adherence.
Safety & Operational Excellence
- Champion Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards within all machining activities.
- Proactively identify risks in machining operations and implement mitigation strategies.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and high-functioning work environment aligned with high-performance production standards.
Basic Qualifications
- Extensive experience operating CNC turning centers (2-axis, live tooling, mill-turn, or multi-axis lathes).
- Strong cross-functional machining experience including milling (3-axis, 3+2, 5-axis) & grinding.
- Proficiency with Siemens, Fanuc, & Heidenhain controllers.
- Advanced understanding of GD&T and its application in precision machining.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize machining processes across tooling, fixturing, and programming.
- Experience machining complex components in aluminum, steels, titanium, and nickel-based alloys (Inconel).
- Demonstrated experience with advanced setup techniques, including dynamic work offsets and multi-operation setups.
- Hands-on experience taking parts from first article through production.
- Ability to create clear setup documentation and standardized machining processes.
- Experience mentoring or leading other machinists on the shop floor.
- Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with large-format or gantry-style machining systems.
- Experience Machining additively manufactured components or hybrid workflows.
- Strong manual machining skills to support tooling, fixtures, and rework operations.
- Experience in high-rate production or rapid development environments with aggressive timelines.
- Experience in CAD/CAM software/environments (NX CAM preferred).
- Strong understanding of G-code.
- Experience with writing probing routines for on machine part inspections.
Work Environment
- This role operates in a fast-paced, high-mix production environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on engineering changes, supply chain constraints, and program milestones. The environment demands tight cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, logistics, and program teams to ensure daily execution aligns with long-term build plans.
- Success in this environment requires hands-on engagement on the shop floor, strong systems knowledge, and the ability to anticipate and resolve scheduling risks before they impact key deliverables.
- The culture emphasizes proactive communication, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement to meet aggressive program timelines while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.
Compensation
At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels T03 - T05 as evaluated through our interview process.
- Technician / T03: $45.00 - $54.00
- Lead Technician / T04: $52.00 - $63.00
- Senior Technician / T05: $60.00 - $72.00
Veterans and candidates with military technical backgrounds in aviation, aerospace, maintenance, robotics, electronics, machining, or industrial operations are encouraged to apply.
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.
EEO Poster
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.
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.
Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)
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.
No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.