Supply Chain Engineer

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

You will own purchasing across TerraFirma’s engineering, construction, and field operations. This includes sourcing PCBs, electronic components, mechanical hardware, vehicle-kit parts, heavy machinery, construction materials, equipment, and operational supplies. You will work closely with engineering teams to understand technical requirements, find viable alternatives when parts are unavailable, and keep critical builds and deployments moving. This is a hands-on role for someone who can combine technical judgment with strong purchasing and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Own purchasing from initial request through payment and delivery

• Source technical components, vehicle-kit hardware, machines, equipment, construction materials, and operational supplies

• Identify substitute components and present engineers with well-researched recommendations

• Support kit production by tracking pricing, availability, lead times, and order status

• Maintain an accurate, actionable view of available machines and heavy equipment

• Manage vendors, quotes, purchase orders, invoices, budgets, and domestic and international logistics

   

Basic Qualifications

• 3 or more years of experience in technical purchasing, supply chain, procurement, engineering operations, manufacturing, construction, or a related field

• Ability to understand technical specifications, bills of materials, and equipment requirements

• Experience sourcing components, machinery, materials, or technical services

• Strong organizational, analytical, spreadsheet, and communication skills

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Engineering degree or experience working closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, or robotics teams

• Experience sourcing PCBs, electronic components, mechanical hardware, or production parts

• Experience supporting hardware production or identifying alternatives during component shortages

• Experience purchasing heavy equipment or construction materials

• Experience with ERP systems, international shipping, or government programs

   

Additional Requirements

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment

• Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance

• Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical engineering, production, or operational deadlines

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.