CNC Machinist/Programmer (Contract)

Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or multi-year construction timelines. We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and work with humility and openness. We are committed to building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy. Position Summary This role supports the build-out of a machine shop and serves as a hands-on mentor to a current employee who is actively learning CAM programming. The Machinist will operate the HAAS GM-1 through the full programming-to-cut cycle, working with graphite and other specialty materials, while helping establish tooling, work holding, and workflows from the ground up. Clear, patient communication and a willingness to transfer tribal knowledge are central to this position. Roles & Responsibilities Machine Operation & Programming Operate HAAS CNC machines with proficiency, ideally including gantry or vertical mills; GM-1 familiarity is a plus. Support and troubleshoot SolidWorks CAM programming on the machine. Manage the complete programming-to-cut cycle: CAM setup, graphics simulation, air run, and live troubleshooting at the machine. Assist in creating an accurate set-up book for production. Extensive knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of blueprint reading Materials & Fixturing Cut graphite and other brittle/abrasive materials, applying appropriate feeds, speeds, tooling selection, and dust management specific to these materials (distinct from metal cutting practices). Fixture large flat stock, as parts are sourced from boards. Extensive knowledge of accepted inspection practices Develop fixtures as needed Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer Mentor and train a junior programmer/machinist who is actively learning CAM. Communicate clearly and patiently to support effective tribal knowledge transfer. Work closely and collaboratively with existing shop personnel to build technical capability over time. Machine Shop Build-Out Support standing up a machine shop, including tooling procurement, work holding setup, and shop organization. Help establish workflows and best practices from scratch. NPI Set up. Prove out new programs provided by the programmer Provide/recommend manufacturing methods. Evaluate drawings and provide feedback on GD&T according to design intent. Key Qualifications Hands-on experience operating HAAS CNC machines (gantry or vertical mill preferred). Proficiency supporting SolidWorks CAM on the machine. Demonstrated experience with the full programming-to-cut cycle, including CAM setup, simulation, air run, and at-machine troubleshooting. Experience mentoring or training a junior programmer/machinist. Strong, patient communication skills suited to knowledge transfer. Additional Qualifications Desired Experience cutting graphite or other brittle/abrasive materials, including material-specific feeds, speeds, tooling, and dust management. Experience building out or standing up a machine shop, including tooling procurement, workholding, and organization. Familiarity with fixturing large flat stock. GM-1 machine experience. Work Location: Onsite - San Jose, CA Salary Range: $45/HR - $65/HR Sala ry 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…