Civil Engineer

At TerraFirma, we’re redefining how the world moves earth for construction. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by Kleiner Perkins and Bain Capital Ventures, TerraFirma is automating construction to make it faster, cheaper, and safer.

 

Our Story & Mission

At SpaceX, we were part of the teams that built the largest rocket in human history, launched the largest constellation of satellites ever made, and delivered connectivity to millions of people worldwide. What we learned was simple: infrastructure is everything.

At Starbase, the biggest barrier to launching missions to Mars was not building the rocket. It was how slow, expensive, and complex it was to build the infrastructure around it. We lacked buildings, roads, water, power, communications, and waste management, and constructing them took far more time and resources than it should have.

From a first-principles perspective, that doesn't make sense. It shouldn't be this hard or costly to create the foundations for progress. That’s when we realized something important: the same engineering mindset that enabled us to tackle space exploration and mass manufacturing could be applied to infrastructure. By bringing the principles of simplification, iteration, acceleration, and automation to construction, we can unlock a new era in how the world builds.

Accelerating infrastructure unlocks progress across every domain, creating a self-sustaining engine for tackling humanity’s toughest challenges. The innovations we develop on Earth will lay the groundwork for the technologies that one day make settlement on Mars possible.

Job Overview

You will bring civil engineering rigor to how TerraFirma plans, designs, and executes earthwork on real construction sites. You'll work at the intersection of traditional civil engineering and autonomous equipment operation, translating grading plans and site designs into work that our semi-autonomous machines can execute accurately and efficiently. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands earthwork deeply, not just from a drawing, but from having been on the site while it happens.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review grading plans, cut/fill calculations, and earthwork designs for active construction sites

• Translate civil engineering designs into execution plans that account for TerraFirma's automated and remote-controlled equipment capabilities

• Perform site analysis including topographic surveys, soil considerations, drainage, and erosion control planning

• Collaborate with field operations, equipment operators, and the automation/software teams to ensure designs are executable and efficient in practice

• Monitor and verify earthwork progress against design specifications, adjusting plans as field conditions evolve

• Support permitting, compliance, and coordination with civil authorities and project stakeholders as needed

• Feed real-world site data and lessons back into how TerraFirma's systems plan and execute future earthwork

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field

• Hands-on experience with earthwork design, grading, and cut/fill analysis on real construction projects

• Working knowledge of civil design and grading software (e.g., Civil 3D, AGTEK, Trimble Business Center, or similar)

• Strong understanding of earthwork construction techniques, equipment, and site execution

• Ability to read and interpret site plans, topographic surveys, and construction drawings

Preferred Skills & Experience

• PE license or actively pursuing one

• Experience working directly with heavy civil contractors, earthwork subcontractors, or on-site construction teams

• Experience with GPS/machine control grading systems or automated construction technology

• Familiarity with permitting processes and civil authority coordination

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities

Additional Requirements

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment

• Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance

• Must be willing to work extended hours or travel to job sites when needed to support critical project deadlines