Takeoff Technician – Earthworks & Site Development

Terra Firma Job Overview

At Terra Firma, we're redefining how the world moves earth for construction. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by Kleiner Perkins and Bain Capital Ventures, Terra Firma is automating construction to make it faster, cheaper, and safer.

From a first-principles perspective, it doesn't make sense that constructing the foundations for progress should be this hard or costly. 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.

You will produce the quantity takeoffs that drive Terra Firma's estimating process for earthworks and site development projects. You will work closely with estimators, engineers, and project managers to translate civil plans and field conditions into accurate, decision-ready quantities that shape how we bid work.

This role is highly detail-oriented and execution-focused. You will own takeoff outputs across grading, excavation, utilities, paving, and related scopes, while helping improve the speed, accuracy, and repeatability of how Terra Firma prices jobs. As our internal estimating tools and workflows evolve, you will also help refine the systems that make takeoff faster and more reliable.

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for earthworks and site development scopes, including grading, excavation, fill, utilities, and paving
• Review civil drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and related bid documents to define scope accurately
• Generate cut/fill quantities, haul assumptions, and material volume calculations that can be translated directly into estimates
• Work closely with estimators to structure takeoff outputs into clear, usable estimating inputs
• Identify scope gaps, quantity risks, and plan inconsistencies early in the bid process
• Support pre-bid planning through site visits, walkthroughs, and coordination with project stakeholders when required
• Maintain organized, traceable documentation for takeoffs, assumptions, and bid packages
• Improve internal templates, standards, and workflows to increase takeoff speed, consistency, and accuracy
• Provide feedback on software tools and internal systems used in estimating and project planning

• 2–5 years of experience performing construction takeoffs, preferably in earthworks, grading, site development, or heavy civil construction
• Strong experience with takeoff or earthwork software such as AGTEK, Trimble Business Center, B2W Estimate, Bluebeam, Civil 3D, or similar tools
• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, specifications, and supporting project documents
• Strong understanding of grading plans, cut/fill analysis, and site development scope
• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively with estimators, engineers, and project teams in a fast-moving environment

• 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 occasionally to job sites across Texas
• Interest in construction technology, robotics, and automation

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 Terra Firma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.