Program Director, Federal Construction & Operations

TerraFirma; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

TerraFirma is seeking a seasoned program leader to oversee a major U.S. Government contract delivering remote-controlled heavy equipment for high-impact construction and remediation missions. You will manage global deployments from its Austin HQ, coordinating field teams, equipment staging, and international sites.

The role emphasizes safety, compliance, and performance, requiring 10+ years of experience and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading large-scale construction and heavy civil operations.
• Experience managing U.S. Government overseas construction or contingency operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Willing to spend significant time in Austin, TX and travel internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end program execution for a major U.S. Government contract, including scope, schedule, budget, compliance, and performance
• Lead global field deployment for remote-controlled heavy equipment operations, including staffing, equipment staging, logistics, maintenance, and day-to-day operations across international sites
• Serve as primary interface to U.S. Government stakeholders and translate requirements into executable plans, milestones, and operational rhythms
• Drive safety and risk management in hazardous environments and enforce a strong safety culture across all field activities
• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams including operators, field engineers, technicians, and subcontractors with clear accountability and high execution standards
• Own reporting cadence and performance tracking and drive continuous improvement based on lessons learned and government feedback

Skills

program management

safety culture

stakeholder management

leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/construction management

Job description

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

Lead a major U.S. Government program delivering remote-controlled heavy equipment for high-impact construction and remediation missions around the world. You will lead global deployments and field execution, scaling a proven teleoperation capability into reliable operations across real-world sites.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end program execution for a major U.S. Government contract, including scope, schedule, budget, compliance, and performance
• Lead global field deployment for remote-controlled heavy equipment operations, including staffing, equipment staging, logistics, maintenance, and day-to-day operations across international sites
• Serve as primary interface to U.S. Government stakeholders and partners and translate requirements into executable plans, milestones, and operational rhythms
• Drive safety and risk management in hazardous environments and enforce a strong safety culture across all field activities
• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams including operators, field engineers, technicians, and subcontractors with clear accountability and high execution standards
• Own reporting cadence and performance tracking and drive continuous improvement based on lessons learned and government feedback

Qualifications & Requirements

• 10+ years of experience leading large-scale construction, remediation, disaster relief, or heavy civil operations
• Experience managing U.S. Government overseas construction or contingency operations such as DoW, USACE, DOS, USAID, or similar agencies
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
• Willing and able to spend significant time in Austin, TX (TerraFirma HQ) and travel internationally as needed, including extended in-country deployments

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and the scope of responsibilities for the role. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case-by-case basis if an offer is extended. This position includes a competitive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and company holidays. Travel required for the role will be supported in accordance with company policy.