Our team, founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by Bain Capital Ventures, is driven by a mission to make construction faster, more efficient, and more sustainable through practical automation.

Visit www.terrafirma.inc for more information.

The Role

The Project Estimator at TerraFirma is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and planning for our earthworks projects, which involves advanced automation technologies. This role is crucial in ensuring that our projects are both feasible and profitable, supporting our mission to revolutionize construction.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed project take-off and cost estimates for earthworks projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and other required elements.
• Review project plans, specifications, and other documents to understand the scope of work and identify cost drivers.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers and business development managers to gather information necessary for accurate estimates.
• Develop estimation Standard Operating Procedures and templates that allow us to bid on projects in a lean, fast and low risk manner, all the while winning projects
• Analyze market conditions, material prices, labor rates, and technological advancements to ensure estimates are competitive and realistic.
• Prepare bids and proposals for clients, incorporating the unique aspects of our automated earthworks solutions.
• Participate in site walk and customer interaction needed to scope and advance project bidding processes
• Monitor project costs during construction to ensure they align with estimates and identify variances early.
• Assist in negotiating contracts with subcontractors and suppliers
  
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in construction estimation, preferably in earthworks or heavy civil projects.
• Proven track record of delivering accurate estimates and winning of complex construction projects.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., Trimble, B2W, Agtek, or similar).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, including blueprints and specifications.
  
  

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with advanced construction technology or automation.
• Strong understanding of earthworks construction techniques and best practices.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment with a focus on innovation.
• Ability to travel to job sites as needed in the Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio regions.
• Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance
  
  

Our Mission:

TerraFirma was founded to build a brighter future for humanity by revolutionizing how we construct the large-scale physical infrastructure our civilization desperately needs. From enabling mega-scale renewable energy projects and constructing resilient cities, to building efficient transportation and eco-friendly water infrastructure, our work today paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. The first step in all of these projects is to move massive amounts of dirt incredibly efficiently, both in the near-term and distant future. As we look to the stars, we recognize that mining, processing, and moving raw materials will be the foundation of humanity's expansion into the cosmos. TerraFirma is pioneering the technology that will not only secure a sustainable future for humanity on Earth but also unlock the boundless possibilities of interplanetary expansion.

Our Company:

TerraFirma was born from the minds of Noah Schochet (CEO) and Noah McGuinness (CTO), two accomplished SpaceX engineers. At SpaceX, Schochet led the design and mass production of Starlink user terminals and Starship rockets, while McGuinness developed flight software for the satellite constellation. Now, they're applying the SpaceX mentality - rapid iteration based on engineering first principles - to revolutionize the construction industry.

We're moving at light speed, scaling our team and operations to transform how we build critical infrastructure on Earth. Our groundbreaking ecosystem retrofits existing earthmoving machines, allowing a single operator to control multiple excavators, bulldozers, and loaders simultaneously.

Headquartered at our "Robot Ranch" in Austin, TX, we're committed to rapid iteration and swift innovation. Our facility boasts fully equipped mechanical and electrical workshops, giant machines to retrofit, and ample testing grounds. We're surrounded by earthworks projects and eager customers, creating the perfect environment to develop and deploy our cutting-edge technology at warp speed.

What We're Seeking:

We’re seeking innovators, boundary-pushers, and people who will move heaven and earth to achieve the impossible.

If you are someone who:

• Is driven by a relentless need to make the world better
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Hates being a cog in a machine and wants extreme ownership and opportunities to learn
• Has developed versatile technical skills by building amazing projects
• Can wear many hats, and loves learning new skills quickly
  
  

Then you're in the right place!

Compensation & Benefits:

TerraFirma is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. 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 generous equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to compensate employees for moving costs if applicable.