Construction Project Manager - Heavy Civil and Excavation

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

In this role, you will spearhead the planning, execution, and delivery of heavy civil projects (excavation, grading, site-prep, etc.), leveraging our innovative automation and mission control technology. This role is pivotal in overseeing the entire project lifecycle, ensuring projects are completed safely, meet quality expectations, stay on schedule, and remain within budget.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage project planning, budgets, schedules, and resources, maximizing the efficiency gains from automated equipment to deliver cost-effective outcomes

• Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, addressing the safety considerations of automated construction

• Monitor project progress, oversee job site operations, proactively identify risks, and implement solutions to maintain project timelines and quality standards

• Communicate regularly with clients, providing clear updates on project status, and milestones

• Train, support, and manage operators in the effective use of automated and remote-controlled earth-moving equipment, ensuring optimal performance

• Collect and analyze project data to drive continuous improvements in automation technology and operational processes

• Negotiate contracts with subcontractors and suppliers

• Assist estimating with preconstruction activities, including take-offs, vendor solicitations, and material pricing

• Manage the submittal process from project startup through close-out documentation

 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in construction project management, with at least 1 year focused on earthworks or heavy civil construction

• Proven track record of managing projects involving heavy equipment and earth-moving activities, with budgets ranging from $50,000 to $20 million

• Strong understanding of earthworks construction techniques, materials, and equipment

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) and tools for scheduling and budgeting

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with construction automation, robotics, or advanced technology integration in project management

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a history of mentoring and developing talent

• Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability to new technologies and challenges

• Experience in a startup or high-growth company, demonstrating adaptability, ownership, and a proactive mindset

 

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical deadlines or triage urgent deployment issues

• Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment

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

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience and education. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case-by-case basis if an offer is extended. Our total compensation package also includes equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.