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TerraFirma

Electromechanical Engineer

Robot Ranch (Austin, TX)
Level
Mid
Work type
On-site · Austin

Not stated in the posting: salary, visa.

Open. First seen 2 October 2026.

Apply on the company's site →

About the role

TerraFirma's standard text

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

TerraFirma's standard text

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
  • A strong understanding of Electrical Engineering principles, experience with electrical design, and hands on experience with building electrical systems

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.

What this role asks for

Particular to this role

SolidWorks

Rare in TerraFirma's other 11 open postings.

64% of this description is written for the role. The rest is TerraFirma's standard text, folded away below.

Read against TerraFirma's other open postings on this site.

The team: Engineering

This role is one of 8 open in Engineering.

WHAT THE TEAM WORKS WITH, ACROSS ITS POSTINGS

Linux (5 of 8), C++ (3 of 8), Embedded Systems (3 of 8), Python (3 of 8), C (2 of 8), FPGA (2 of 8), Machine Learning (2 of 8)

OTHER ROLES ON THIS TEAM

From the team and dates on TerraFirma's own job board.

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