Earthwork Estimator

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 support the preparation of accurate cost estimates for earthworks and site development projects. Working closely with estimators, engineers, project managers, and business development, you will help turn project plans, field information, and pricing inputs into competitive bids.

This role is for someone early in their career who wants hands-on experience in heavy civil estimating. You will contribute to takeoffs, pricing, bid organization, subcontractor and supplier coordination, and estimating process improvement while building the foundation to grow into a stronger estimator.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for earthworks and site development projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted scope

• Review project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and bid documents to understand project scope and identify cost drivers

• Collaborate with estimators, engineers, project managers, and business development managers to gather information necessary for accurate estimates

• Support subcontractor and supplier outreach for pricing, scope clarification, and bid coverage

• Help develop estimating standard operating procedures and templates that allow us to bid projects in a lean, fast, and low-risk manner

• Participate in site visits, pre-bid walkthroughs, and customer interactions needed to scope and advance project bidding processes

• Maintain organized documentation of estimates, takeoffs, pricing inputs, assumptions, and bid packages

• Monitor project costs during construction and compare them to estimates to identify variances and improve future bids

• Assist with bid leveling, scope comparisons, and internal estimate reviews

Basic Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in construction, civil engineering, estimating, earthworks, or heavy civil projects

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred but not required

• Familiarity with construction estimating software such as Trimble, B2W, AGTEK, Bluebeam, or similar tools is helpful but not required

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

• Interest in heavy civil construction, estimating, and field operations

Additional Requirements

• Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment

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

• Ability to travel to job sites across Texas

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.