Machinist Odessa

TAR; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

TAR is building a shop-based hardware and software infrastructure in West Texas. As a shop tech manager, you will run the shop, turning CAD files into metal parts and supporting testing with engineers.

You will operate CNC and manual machines, manage digital fabrication tools, and push rapid prototyping while maintaining safety and tooling. This hands-on role requires a practical, fast-paced mindset and strong attention to tolerances.

Qualifications

• Comfortable with CAM programming and basic G-code edits.
• Experience across manual machining and digital fabrication.
• Prototype/R&D mindset with quick iterations and parts that change weekly.

Responsibilities

• Program parts from CAD (Fusion 360 or similar CAM).
• Operate CNC and manual machining equipment: lathe, bandsaw, drill press, grinders.
• Run our digital fabrication tools: 3D printers, laser cutter, waterjet.
• Use general shop and fabrication equipment as needed.
• Turn around one-off prototype parts quickly, speed over polish.
• Inspect parts with standard metrology tools, hold reasonable tolerances, flag design issues.
• Keep tooling stocked, machines maintained, and the shop clean and safe.

Skills

CAM programming

G-code edits

Manual machining

Digital fabrication

Prototype/R&D mindset

Fast iterations

Tools

Fusion 360

CNC machines

Job description

TAR’s mission is to power intelligence for the world. We are building the world’s first off-grid power plant for data centers powered by renewable technologies.

We firmly believe AI should be built in the US for the benefit of all people. For that, power must be fast, clean and scalable. We are singularly focused on delivering GW-scale power faster than anyone has ever done, by rethinking every layer of the stack.

We vertically integrate to solve every bottleneck, from racking systems to power electronics to dispatch algorithms to on-site construction.

Leave your mark on the future of civilization-scale energy infrastructure.

Company

TAR is both a hardware and software company, we are building out massive, critical, physical infrastructure. TAR is working directly with one of the largest compute providers to scale and deploy 5GWs by 2028.

• High ownership. High Agency. Own project end-to-end. Great people don’t need to be managed.
• Speed. We achieve great things on incredible timelines. We push ourselves to go faster.
• First principles. No ego. No hierarchy. Challenge every assumption.
• Passion. Solving the energy problem is one of the largest challenges that faces the world now and in the future.

About the role

We build robots, and robots need parts fast. This is a “shop tech manager” role. You'll run the shop (band saw, fork lift etc), turning CAD files into metal, sometimes same-day. Less production work, more "the team needs this bracket by Thursday." You'll be onsite at our test facility in West Texas assisting the team when they're testing, and preparing for testing in between field tests.

Responsibilities

• Program parts from CAD (Fusion 360 or similar CAM)
• Operate CNC and manual machining equipment: lathe, bandsaw, drill press, grinders
• Run our digital fabrication tools: 3D printers, laser cutter, waterjet
• Use general shop and fabrication equipment as needed
• Turn around one-off prototype parts quickly, speed over polish
• Inspect parts with standard metrology tools, hold reasonable tolerances, flag design issues
• Keep tooling stocked, machines maintained, and the shop clean and safe

Qualifications

• Comfortable with CAM programming and basic G-code edits
• Experience across manual machining and digital fabrication: you're not a one-machine person
• Prototype/R&D mindset: okay with ambiguity, quick iterations, and parts that change weekly
• Bonus: welding, sheet metal, or composites experience, g-code, general cnc operations, plasma table, lathe

Nice to have

• Experience operating in or around a hardware, robotics, or deep-tech startup.
• A track record of standing up new functions or processes from zero.
• Comfort working alongside engineers and technical leadership.