R&D Prototype Technologist (Master Builder & Operator)

The Mission

Tether is navigating a highly complex roadmap, executing Department of War (DoW) obligations while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a commercial autonomous trucking pilots. We are transitioning from early-stage R&D to aggressive commercial deployment, which requires a profound departure from traditional academic engineering. We operate with high intensity, minimize corporate bureaucracy, and give our small teams massive autonomy to execute.

Job Overview

We require an absolute polymath of physical execution. The R&D Prototype Technologist is a hardcore builder and operator who takes conceptual designs from our engineering team and physically manifests them in the real world. You will own the shop, build the test environments, manage external fabrication vendors, and ensure our autonomous Class 8 trucks are constantly operational and safe.

We do not expect you to be an absolute master of every single skill listed below on day one. However, you must possess a relentless drive, high mechanical aptitude, and the willingness to learn and adapt to all of them rapidly.

Core Responsibilities

• System Integration: Install our entire autonomous suite onto commercial vehicles, including mounting mechanical actuators, routing complex wiring, installing ECU units, and integrating proprietary bumper hardware.
• Advanced Fabrication & Machining: Weld across multiple disciplines, including Stick, MIG, TIG, and aluminum. Run manual mills and lathes, operate 3D printers, and utilize carpentry skills to build custom test setups, workbenches, and shop shelving.
• Electrical Assembly: Wire low-voltage automotive electrical systems. Properly crimp terminals and build robust connector housings, specifically utilizing Deutsch, Molex, and circular military-spec connectors. Execute precision PCB soldering.
• Engineering Execution: Utilize CAD software to interpret engineering files and physically build or machine parts to exact engineering specifications.
• Vendor Management: Manage outsourced machining by communicating directly with engineers, ordering plate parts, transporting materials to suppliers, and rigorously checking vendor quality.
• Fleet Operations: Operate Class 8 trucks during aggressive R&D testing and initial pilot deployments.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Perform basic maintenance and diagnostics on commercial vehicles (e.g., changing oil, fixing air leaks, replacing water pumps) to ensure zero testing downtime.
• Shop Management: Take absolute ownership of the engineering shop, instituting organization for equipment, maintaining critical tooling, and ensuring maximum operational efficiency.

Requirements & Cultural Fit

• Adaptability: While you may not be fluent in every fabrication, electrical, or CAD discipline today, you must demonstrate a proven ability to learn complex physical skills quickly.
• CDL Requirement: Must possess, or be willing and able to obtain, a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for heavy-duty trucking operations.
• Execution Mindset: You must have a strict "no task is beneath me" mentality and take supreme pride in enabling the broader engineering team.
• Problem Solving: A proven track record of physically modifying and upgrading vehicle subsystems, comfortable with both heavy machinery and delicate electrical diagnostics.

Compensation & Unparalleled Benefits

To attract the "A-Team," we offer an aggressive, upside-driven compensation model and unparalleled operational freedom:

• Profit-Sharing: We execute a highly lucrative Profits Based Bonus Share Plan calculated from 15% of the company's Earnings Before Taxes (EBT), directly linking your technical execution to your financial upside.
• Healthcare: Employer-sponsored health insurance.
• Retirement & Savings: 401k matching and direct Employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
• Ultimate Flexibility: Three full weeks (15 days) of Paid Time Off (PTO) with no officially mandated corporate holidays, trusting you to manage your output and recovery like a high-value operator.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person