Senior Geospatial & CAD Lead — Earthwork Automation

TerraFirma; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

TerraFirma in Austin, TX is redefining geospatial, CAD, and survey work for autonomous earthmoving. You will build the 3D models, site controls, and machine-control data that power our fleet and Mission Control platform.

This senior, hands-on leadership role sets standards, builds workflows, and grows the CAD, survey, and GIS team that converts civil plans, drone and LiDAR data, and field surveys into construction-ready models and takeoffs.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of CAD, survey, or geospatial work on earthwork, heavy civil, or site development projects.
• Proven experience building 3D models and machine-control files for grading and excavation, and troubleshooting them in the field.
• Proficiency in Civil 3D and at least one machine-control or takeoff platform (e.g., Trimble Business Center, AGTEK, Topcon Magnet, Carlson, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with survey equipment (GNSS rovers, robotic total stations) and with drone or LiDAR data processing.
• Experience leading or mentoring technicians and setting standards others follow.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with estimators, project managers, operators, and software engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the geospatial, CAD, and survey function end to end, from bid-stage takeoff through machine-control models, progress surveys, and final as-builts
• Build 3D design surfaces, corridor models, and machine-control files from civil plan sets and QC them before they go to the fleet
• Establish and maintain site control, localizations, and coordinate systems across all active projects
• Plan and process drone photogrammetry and LiDAR surveys for existing conditions, progress quantities, and stockpile volumes
• Produce and verify earthwork quantity takeoffs, cut and fill analysis, and balance studies in partnership with estimating
• Define and document the geospatial data pipeline that feeds Mission Control, and partner with the robotics software team on the model formats, surfaces, and data our autonomous fleet consumes
• Build the standard operating procedures, templates, folder structures, and QC checklists for CAD, survey, and GIS work so projects start fast and stay consistent
• Hire, train, and manage CAD, survey, and takeoff technicians as the project portfolio grows
• Support field operations with grade checks, stakeout, and rapid model revisions when conditions change on site
• Maintain a GIS layer of project, utility, environmental, and logistics data that estimating, project management, and business development can use

Skills

CAD

Geospatial

Survey

3D modeling

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geomatics, Surveying, Geography, or related field

Texas RPLS, SIT, or Certified Survey Technician, or Part 107 remote pilot certificate

Tools

Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

AGTEK

Topcon Magnet

Leica

Job description

TerraFirma in Austin, TX is redefining geospatial, CAD, and survey work for autonomous earthmoving. You will build the 3D models, site controls, and machine-control data that power our fleet and Mission Control platform.

This senior, hands-on leadership role sets standards, builds workflows, and grows the CAD, survey, and GIS team that converts civil plans, drone and LiDAR data, and field surveys into construction-ready models and takeoffs.