What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Lead position at TerraFirma?
At TerraFirma, we’re redefining how the world moves earth for construction. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by 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 and scale TerraFirma’s finance function. As our first dedicated finance hire, you will work directly with the Chief of Staff and cofounders to tighten our systems, controls, and operating cadence so the company stays fast while becoming financially precise.
This role is hands-on across accounting operations (AP/AR, close, reporting) and forward-looking finance (budgeting, forecasting, unit economics, fundraising support). You will improve and automate existing workflows, implement lightweight controls where they matter, and build real-time visibility into cash, burn, and runway as we scale machines, deployments, and headcount.
Responsibilities
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.
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 and scale TerraFirma’s finance function. As our first dedicated finance hire, you will work directly with the Chief of Staff and cofounders to tighten our systems, controls, and operating cadence so the company stays fast while becoming financially precise.
This role is hands-on across accounting operations (AP/AR, close, reporting) and forward-looking finance (budgeting, forecasting, unit economics, fundraising support). You will improve and automate existing workflows, implement lightweight controls where they matter, and build real-time visibility into cash, burn, and runway as we scale machines, deployments, and headcount.
Responsibilities
- Accounting Operations: Own end-to-end accounting operations (GL, AP/AR, month-end close)
- Financial Reporting: Maintain accurate, audit-ready, decision-ready financials and reporting
- FP&A Cadence: Build and run budgets, rolling forecasts, cash and burn tracking, and scenario planning
- Systems & Automation: Select and maintain the finance tech stack, automate workflows, and improve data integrity
- Controls & Procurement: Establish procurement approvals, expense policies, and right-sized internal controls
- Board & Fundraising Support: Support board and investor materials, fundraising diligence, and ad hoc analysis for leadership
- Cost & Capex Modeling: Partner with engineering, operations, and supply chain on unit economics, cost structure, capex planning, and buy vs. lease decisions
- Non-Dilutive Financing: Source and execute non-dilutive financing for equipment and materials, including lender relationships and diligence
- 2–5 years of experience in a high-ownership finance role, such as an early-stage startup finance function, Big 4 audit or transaction services, investment banking, or finance at an asset-heavy operator
- Strong understanding of GAAP accounting, month-end close, and three-statement financial modeling, including cash forecasting
- Experience evaluating non-dilutive capital solutions such as equipment financing or leasing, working capital facilities, and vendor or materials financing
- Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support close cycles or fundraising deadlines
- Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities shift quickly
- Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance
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.