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Lead Cnc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am) Purpose 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 ...

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am) Purpose The CNC Lead (internally known as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining ...

Lead CNC Machinist

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

DESCRIPTION The Lead CNC Machinist works in our manufacturing department and must be able to produce machined parts by programming, setting up, and operating a computer numerical control (CNC ...

CNC Lead (2nd shift)

Torrance, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am) Purpose The CNC Lead (internally known as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining ...

New

Lead CNC Machinist

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

DESCRIPTION The Lead CNC Machinist works in our manufacturing department and must be able to produce machined parts by programming, setting up, and operating a computer numerical control (CNC ...

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am) Purpose The CNC Lead (internally known as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining ...

Lead CNC Swiss Machinist

Apopka, FL

$18 - $24.50/hr

... CNC Swiss machine programmer with the skills to read and interpret a customer's drawings then create an efficient process and program. This lead position will instruct and train other machinists in ...

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am) Purpose The CNC Lead (internally known as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining ...

Lead CNC Swiss Machinist

Apopka, FL

$18 - $24.50/hr

... CNC Swiss machine programmer with the skills to read and interpret a customer#39;s drawings then create an efficient process and program. This lead position will instruct and train other machinists ...

Sun - Wed 2nd shift (4pm - 3:30am) Purpose The CNC Lead (internally known as Lead CNC Machinist) is an advanced technician who acts as a frontline leader, coordinating the daily work of the machining ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Cnc information

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$15

$24

$35

How much do lead cnc jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cnc in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lead CNC?

Lead CNCs, or Lead CNC Operators, are experienced professionals who oversee CNC (Computer Numerical Control) operations in manufacturing environments. They are responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC machines, as well as supervising a team of CNC machinists or operators. Lead CNCs ensure that production runs smoothly, parts meet quality standards, and safety protocols are followed. They often troubleshoot equipment issues, optimize machining processes, and contribute to training new employees. Their leadership role is crucial to maintaining efficiency and high-quality output on the shop floor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead CNC, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead CNC, you need advanced knowledge of CNC machining processes, blueprint reading, and a strong background in manufacturing or mechanical engineering, often supported by technical certifications. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC programming languages (like G-code), and various machine tools is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and ensuring workflow efficiency. These skills and qualities are important to maintain high production standards, minimize downtime, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

What are the main challenges a Lead CNC might face when managing a team, and how can they effectively address them?

As a Lead CNC, one of the main challenges is balancing the technical demands of operating and programming CNC machines with the responsibility of managing and mentoring team members. Effective communication is critical to ensure production targets are met and that any issues are quickly resolved. Additionally, maintaining high quality standards while training less experienced operators requires patience and strong leadership skills. Successful Lead CNCs often address these challenges by fostering a collaborative environment, implementing clear processes, and staying updated on the latest manufacturing technologies.

What is the difference between Lead Cnc vs Cnc Operator?

AspectLead CncCnc Operator
CertificationsMachining certifications, leadership trainingBasic machining certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervises CNC machines, oversees teamOperates CNC machines directly
ResponsibilitiesOversees production, quality control, team coordinationSets up and runs CNC machines, monitors operations
Industry UsageManufacturing plants, machine shopsManufacturing, machining workshops

The main difference between Lead Cnc and Cnc Operator lies in their responsibilities and leadership roles. Lead Cnc typically supervises and coordinates CNC machining processes, requiring additional certifications and leadership skills. Cnc Operators focus on operating CNC machines directly, with less emphasis on supervision. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Lead Cnc positions involve more oversight and management tasks.

More about Lead Cnc jobs

What cities are hiring for Lead Cnc jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Cnc job openings:

What states have the most Lead Cnc jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Cnc jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lead Cnc jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Cnc jobs are:

Infographic showing various Lead Cnc job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Lead CNC Machinist (PM Shift)

Divergent

Torrance, CA

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


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 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 machining technologies. 
  • Experience supporting rapid production or prototype manufacturing environments.
  • Prior experience acting as a shift lead, supervisor delegate, or formal peer mentor 
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 T04 - T05 as evaluated through our interview process. 

  • Lead CNC Machinist / T04: $52.00 - $62.00
  • Sr. CNC Machinist / T05: $60.00 - $72.00
Pay Range
$52—$72 USD

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.