About the job
At TerraFirma, we’re transforming the way earth is moved for construction purposes. Established by former engineers from SpaceX and supported by Bain Capital Ventures, we are on a mission to automate construction, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and safer.
Our Vision & Mission
At SpaceX, we contributed to groundbreaking projects, including the creation of the largest rocket in history, the launch of an unparalleled constellation of satellites, and the delivery of connectivity to millions globally. Our key takeaway: infrastructure is paramount.
During our time at Starbase, we discovered that the primary challenge to Mars missions was not the rocket itself, but the slow, costly, and complex nature of establishing the necessary infrastructure. The lack of essential facilities, such as buildings, roads, water supply, and power, significantly delayed progress.
Through a first-principles approach, we realized that building infrastructure should not be this arduous or expensive. We harnessed the engineering principles that propelled space exploration and mass manufacturing to revolutionize construction. By applying simplification, iteration, acceleration, and automation, we aim to usher in a new era of construction practices.
Enhancing infrastructure accelerates progress across various fields, creating a robust engine to address humanity’s greatest challenges. The innovations we devise on Earth will pave the way for future technologies that could facilitate human settlement on Mars.
Job Overview
In this role, you will be responsible for the design and implementation of algorithms that enable heavy machinery to execute intricate tasks with sophisticated automation in unpredictable environments. Your work will encompass state estimation, motion and trajectory planning, and control, transitioning concepts from simulation to tangible applications on large robotic platforms. You will develop systems that integrate data from various sensors, optimize movements on demanding job sites, and ensure reliable execution under real-time constraints.
Key Responsibilities
State Estimation & Sensor Fusion – Develop, implement, and deploy real-time estimation pipelines that are resilient to sensor noise, vibration, and bias.
Motion / Trajectory / Path Planning – Design high-level planners and low-level controllers that prioritize safety, efficiency, and task completion.
