Head of Talent

About TerraFirma

TerraFirma is revolutionizing earthmoving in construction through automation, aiming to make it faster, safer, and more cost-efficient. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by leading venture capital firms, the company blends aerospace engineering principles with infrastructure development to accelerate global progress and lay groundwork for future space settlement.

Role Summary

As the Head of Talent, you will have complete responsibility for the recruitment process at TerraFirma, playing a pivotal role in attracting and securing top-tier engineers and operators capable of transforming the construction industry. This role involves driving the entire hiring cycle, from strategizing with leadership to sourcing and onboarding candidates, with a focus on maintaining a world-class team.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire recruiting lifecycle, acting as the main candidate liaison from initial contact through offer and onboarding stages.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations leaders to anticipate hiring demands, define job specifications, and develop headcount plans aligned with company goals.
• Identify and engage elite talent using innovative sourcing approaches, targeting professionals across construction, software, robotics, and hardware sectors.
• Conduct high-impact screening interviews assessing both technical expertise and cultural fit to uphold stringent hiring standards.
• Coordinate detailed onsite interview schedules at Texas facilities, ensuring smooth logistics and a positive candidate experience.
• Evaluate recruitment metrics to detect process inefficiencies, improve candidate conversion rates, and reduce hiring timelines without compromising quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in full-cycle recruiting within technical or fast-growing environments.
• Proven ability to interpret complex technical needs and devise effective sourcing and screening methods.
• Excellent organizational skills managing multiple concurrent recruitment priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of authentically representing the company's vision to passive candidates.

Preferred Experience

• Prior involvement in recruiting for hardware, robotics, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or defense industries.
• Experience as an early-stage startup or founding recruiter with responsibilities over scheduling and coordination.
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems such as Ashby, Greenhouse, or Lever and advanced sourcing tools.
• Established network within engineering talent pools in Austin or comparable technology hubs.

Additional Details

• Willingness to work extended hours or on weekends during critical recruitment periods.
• Capability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced startup setting.
• Must relocate to Austin, TX if not already within commuting range.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary levels are customized based on experience and qualifications and determined individually upon offer. The compensation package includes equity participation. Relocation support is available to assist with moving expenses if applicable.