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

Design, prototype, and deploy rugged electromechanical systems that integrate precision mechanical design with robust electrical components. Develop enclosures, actuators, linkages, and wiring harnesses built for extreme conditions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to rapidly prototype, test, and refine systems for reliable real-world performance.

Responsibilities

Design mechanical systems with enclosures, actuators, linkages, mounts, and custom brackets for remote operation of heavy machinery

Rapidly prototype and iterate using 3D printing, CNC machining, and other in-house fabrication methods

Work with internal engineering teams, vendors, and manufacturers to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective

Build and test electromechanical assemblies designed to survive vibration, impact, water ingress, and outdoor exposure.

Integrate wiring harnesses with mechanically secure routing, protection, and strain relief

Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical components using standard tools and hands-on evaluation

Collaborate with vendors and fabricators to produce reliable, field-ready mechanical parts and electrical components

Maintain CAD models, mechanical drawings, and build documentation to support repeatable assembly

Basic Qualifications

B.S. in Electromechanical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering

Hands-on experience designing and assembling mechanical systems with actuators and sensors

Proficient in mechanical prototyping using 3D printing, machining, and basic fabrication tools

Familiarity with field deployment challenges like mechanical fatigue, waterproofing, and ruggedization

Ability to collaborate across disciplines with electrical and software teams

Preferred Skills & Experience

Experience designing electromechanical systems for Drones, Electric Vehicles, Aircraft, or Robotics strongly preferred

Strong mechanical design of electronics enclosures for extreme environments

Experience with motion systems including brushless DC motors, multi-bar linkages, kinematics, basic microcontroller programming

Experience with structural analysis and material selection for outdoor, high-impact environments

Familiarity with sensor integration and other motion feedback components

Understanding of EMI shielding, thermal management, and protective enclosure design

Experience routing wiring harnesses in mobile or vibration-prone systems

Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar) and mechanical documentation