Lead CNC Machinist Specialist

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector.

Purpose

The Lead CNC Machinist Specialist is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing machining workflows and driving excellence in CNC operations. This role involves leading a team of CNC Machinists, managing all aspects of setup, first article, and production runs, and ensuring the successful construction of precision components for a variety of high-performance industries, including automotive, aerospace, and defense. As the technical authority, you will guide the innovation of new machining technologies, mentor team members, and drive ideas through the patent process, all while fostering a high-performance team environment and aligning with organizational goals.

The Role

1. Leadership in Machining Operations:

•Direct and motivate the team in programming multi-axis CNC machines using CAM software (NX Preferred).

•Provide hands-on technical leadership in the setup, troubleshooting, and operation of CNC machines, with the ability to step in and solve complex machining issues when needed.

•Drive continuous improvement in machining processes and ensure adherence to quality standards.

2. Strategic Collaboration and Decision-Making:

•Actively participate in the vehicle design process, offering strategic manufacturing insights and solutions.

•Lead decision-making for setup, fixturing, machine troubleshooting, and probing routines.

•Foster strong collaboration across departments to ensure the integration of manufacturing capabilities with design objectives.

•The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical judgment and autonomy, particularly in managing after-hours operations, ensuring the team is supported even without direct oversight from senior management.

3. Innovation and Technology Development:

•Guide the team through troubleshooting and validating machining processes, focusing on execution and continuous improvement.

•Support the creation and implementation of innovative machining and work holding solutions, including leveraging advanced additive and subtractive manufacturing technologies.

4. Team Leadership and Development:

•Mentor and develop team members, with a strong emphasis on coaching individuals through technical challenges, providing troubleshooting expertise, and ensuring effective decision-making during after-hours shifts.

•Support and execute training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge, including the onboarding of new hires.

•Cultivate a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations, recognizing achievements, and addressing performance issues.

5. Operational Excellence and Efficiency:

•Oversee shift transitions with clear handoffs, ensuring continuity of operations and effective communication between shifts.

•Evaluate workspace and equipment conditions at the start of each shift, implementing necessary adjustments to maintain operational efficiency and safety.

6. Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution:

•Maintain open and effective communication channels with team members and other departments, addressing any issues or conflicts promptly.

•Utilize strong interpersonal skills to manage and resolve conflicts, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

7. Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

•Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to machining operations, including quality, efficiency, and safety.

•Prepare and present regular reports on team performance, project status, and technological advancements to senior management.

•Utilize MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to track production, manage machine uptime, and optimize shift performance

8. Cultural Leadership and Organizational Alignment:

•Lead by example, promoting a culture of collaboration, professional excellence, and alignment with organizational values.

•Ensure that team practices and behaviors reflect the company’s core values and strategic objectives.

Basic Qualifications

•Proven leadership and team management skills, with a track record of mentoring and developing talent.

Familiarity with A&D manufacturing standards (e.g., AS9100)

•Experience machining components produced via additive manufacturing processes, ensuring high precision and quality standards.

•Expertise in CAD/CAM for modeling, setup, and toolpath generation (NX preferred)

•Ability to create and execute machining strategies for first article parts.

•In-depth knowledge of CNC machine operation, processes, and best practices

•Experience with Haas, Siemens, and Heidenhain controllers. 

•Proficiency with hand tools, light fabrication, and manual mills/lathes

•Competence in using basic metrology tools, reading drawings, and understanding GD&T

•General understanding of automotive systems 

Preferred Qualifications

•10+ years of machining experience

•2-5 years of leadership experience

•Aerospace manufacturing experience

•Experience with DMG, Zimmermann, and Grob machining centers.

•Siemens and Heidenhain controllers 

Work Environment

•Ability to lift 10-30lbs daily, bend, kneel, twist, and stand for extended periods of time 

What You’ll Get :

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. 

Inclusive and Collaborative Environment: Join our inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, embracing diversity, and fostering innovation to reduce our footprint by integrating people and technology. 

Divergent is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Our positions adhere to all statutory and regulatory requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 

Disclosures:

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. Divergent Technologies, Inc , Inc is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Our positions adhere to all statutory and regulatory requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

EEO Poster 

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.

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Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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