Cam Programmer (Contract)

Antora builds and deploys thermal energy storage to power always-on industrial operations and data centers with low-cost energy. Factory-built in California, Antora's thermal batteries deliver reliable and cost-effective heat and power for industrial loads of any size. Antora is electrifying global industry while supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs, lowering costs for energy consumers, and enhancing the competitiveness of American industry.

We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and build with humility and openness. We are committed to continue building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future where every industrial facility, everywhere on earth, is powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy.

Position Summary

We're hiring a CAM Programmer on a 3-5 week contract to support the in-house bring-up of our program at Dado. Our in-house CAM team is producing ~27 of the ~65 new mods; we need a hands-on contractor to deliver the remaining 38, prove them out on our Haas GM-1, and formally train our production techs in the process. This is a one-time project; the work transitions back to our internal team at the end of the engagement.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Program parts in SolidWorks CAM. Generate complete CAM programs from existing SolidWorks designs. Use our existing post-processors, machine definitions, tool libraries, and templates - these are mature and reliable.
• Output machine-ready G-code. Post programs for the Haas GM-1 (3-axis gantry mill). Multiple G-code files per part are expected depending on the number of sides milled.
• Produce a complete documentation package per part. Setup sheets, tool lists, and work holding instructions are required deliverables, not optional. These currently live in Notion and will ultimately flow into a Manufacturing Process Plan used to cut Manufacturo work orders; CAM files and G-code will be attached to the part number in Arena.
• Prove out programs at the machine. First-article each program on the Haas GM-1 at Dado. Troubleshoot alongside operators and techs in real time.
• Train our team. Deliver formal, documented training to our production technicians and other CAM programmers - covering running programs, adjusting setups, troubleshooting, and SolidWorks CAM fundamentals.
• Coordinate with the team. Report to Program Manager. Work day-to-day with Production Tech (in-house CAM) and Manufacturing Engineer. Programs are approved for production release by Tech, the Responsible Engineers, and NPI.

Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on CAM programming experience in a production machining environment.
• Demonstrable expertise in SolidWorks CAM (this is not flexible - we are not training on the software).
• Hands-on CNC machining experience, including comfort running your own code at the machine and troubleshooting alongside operators.
• Fluency with the Haas control and experience programming for 3-axis (gantry) mills.
• Prior experience formally training production technicians or other programmers.
• Strong documentation habits - setup sheets, tool lists, and work holding instructions you'd be proud to hand to a tech you've never met.
• Located within commutable distance of the Bay Area, or willing to be onsite at Dado as needed during the engagement.

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Direct experience programming the Haas GM-1.
• Experience machining graphite, ceramic, refractory, or other high-temperature / unusual materials.
• Experience working with early-stage hard-tech or startup manufacturing environments where the CAM environment is still being formalized.
• Familiarity with Arena PLM and shop-floor MES systems (Manufacturo or equivalent)

Work Location: Onsite - San Jose, CA

Salary Range: $45/HR - $65/HR

Salary Basis: Hourly

Please note that the salary range listed above reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay for this position. The actual salary offered will be within the posted range and determined based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experiences, credentials and expertise, as they pertain to the position's requirements.

In addition to a competitive base salary, Antora Energy's Total Rewards program includes equity compensation in the form of stock options, a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, and an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off.

When it comes to stopping climate change, we need everyone. We believe that having a diversity of backgrounds and experiences strengthens all of us, and we strive to create an environment where every one of us is empowered to create meaningful change.

Benefits

Compensation & Paid Time Off

• Competitive salary
• Stock options
• 401k plan with company match
• Clean commute stipend
• 15 paid vacation days per year, increasing with tenure
• 12 paid holidays (10 fixed, 2 of your choosing)
• 16 hours of volunteer time off
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• 24 hours of wellbeing time off

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical coverage for employees & dependents
• Health savings account option with employer contribution
• Vision, dental, and life coverage
• Flexible spending account & dependent care account options
• Subsidized backup childcare, senior care, and petcare
• 80 hours of sick leave
• Personalized access to mental health support

Facilities & Community

• Kitchen with a variety of healthy snacks & drinks
• On-site gym with fitness equipment
• On-site showers and bike parking
• Dedicated mothers' room
• Team volunteer events
• Monthly social gatherings
• Foosball table and lawn games for breaks and friendly competition