First HR Leader for Fast-Growth Construction Tech in Austin

TerraFirma; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TerraFirma is seeking its first dedicated HR hire to build the people function as we scale across engineering, field operations, and manufacturing. You’ll own HR processes, policies, and Rippling-based systems while handling daily employee relations, benefits, and compliance.

Based in Austin, TX or willing to relocate, you will partner with leadership to design workforce planning, compensation structures, performance programs, and growth initiatives for a fast-growing hardware startup.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience including employee relations and compliance.
• Experience building or shaping HR processes and infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Texas employment law and HR compliance.
• Excellent communication across engineers and field workers.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of TerraFirma’s HR function and existing systems like Rippling.
• Serve as primary contact for employee relations, benefits, and day-to-day HR needs.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, org design, and compensation as the company scales.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, safety regulations, and labor requirements.
• Design and roll out performance management and employee development programs.
• Support recruiting with offers and compensation benchmarking.
• Foster a people-first culture from office to job site.

Skills

HR experience

Employee relations

Compliance

HR program ownership

Education

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification

Tools

Rippling

Job description

TerraFirma is seeking its first dedicated HR hire to build the people function as we scale across engineering, field operations, and manufacturing. You’ll own HR processes, policies, and Rippling-based systems while handling daily employee relations, benefits, and compliance.

Based in Austin, TX or willing to relocate, you will partner with leadership to design workforce planning, compensation structures, performance programs, and growth initiatives for a fast-growing hardware startup.