TerraFirma

Robotics Engineer - Embedded Software

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

Not stated in the posting: salary, visa.

Open. First seen 6 November 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

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

In this role, you'll take hands-on ownership of the embedded hardware and software for our robots. You'll be responsible for both high-level design of custom hardware and low-level code implementation. Day-to-day work includes developing software for Linux-based systems with real-time constraints and microcontrollers for sensing and control. You'll lead platform bringup for new boards, develop drivers for new chips and sensors, and help shape TerraFirma’s software testing framework and standards.

Responsibilities

  • Design and architect firmware and low-level code for embedded systems and microcontrollers
  • Perform platform bringup for new hardware, including driver implementation, sensor integration, boot chain development, and basic networking
  • Own the integration, calibration, and testing of sensors both for proof-of-concept prototypes and production systems
  • Lead interdisciplinary teams, mentor new employees, and actively participate in the hiring process

Basic Qualifications

  • B.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
  • 2+ years of professional or project experience with software and firmware development for embedded systems and microcontrollers
  • Demonstrated experience owning large scale deliverables, leading teams, and driving product roadmaps

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Experience working with safety-critical or real-time systems
  • Experience working with embedded applications for robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, automotive, or construction
  • Familiarity with platform and toolchain development for embedded systems
  • Experience building testing frameworks or designing CI/CD pipelines

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

CI/CD

Rare in TerraFirma's other 25 open postings.

Standard for embedded / hardware roles

Embedded Systems

Common in embedded / hardware postings at any company.

56% of this description is written for the role. The rest is TerraFirma's standard text, folded away below.

Compared with TerraFirma's other open jobs.

The team: Engineering

This role is one of 16 open in Engineering.

WHAT THE TEAM WORKS WITH, ACROSS ITS POSTINGS

Linux (10 of 16), C++ (6 of 16), Embedded Systems (6 of 16), Python (6 of 16), C (4 of 16), FPGA (4 of 16), Machine Learning (4 of 16)

OTHER ROLES ON THIS TEAM

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

Other openings for this role

2 open postings for this role in Robot Ranch (Austin, TX), first posted 2 October 2026. The company is likely hiring for more than one position. None has been taken down and posted again.

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