Chief Engineer

About The Role

The Platform Verticals at Forterra develop mission specific, autonomous ground vehicle platforms spanning both the commercial yard truck space and military vehicle applications. Our systems must be field-ready, reliable, and compliant with safety, cybersecurity, and mission assurance standards. We work closely with government and commercial stakeholders to deliver high-performance ground autonomy solutions for complex, real-world environments.

We are seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs within a Platform Vertical. This role carries full accountability for technical outcomes from concept through integration and delivery. The Chief Engineer will interface directly with government customers, manage internal engineering execution, collaborate with all internal partners (Operations, Hardware, Core Software, etc.), and ensure delivery of a fully integrated, mission-capable system. This position is not a coordination role — it requires deep technical judgment, direct problem-solving, hands-on leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and decision-making under pressure.

What You'll Do

Program Technical Leadership

• Coordinate the software development lifecycle for integrated vehicle systems, ensuring robust, reliable autonomy and seamless subsystem interaction
• Define, manage, and own the logical and physical system architecture for the specific program across software and hardware domains
• Lead technical execution across multiple engineering disciplines (software, electrical, mechanical, autonomy, systems, and systems integration)
• Manage and mitigate technical and programmatic risks through proactive design and schedule control
• Own the engineering schedule and ensure alignment with overall program milestones and delivery dates

Systems Engineering & Integration

• Lead development and decomposition of system requirements and interface definitions for the program
• (Accountable but will have support from the broader org and dedicated resources within the division) - Ensure compliance with program-specific standards including MIL-STD-882E, NIST 800-53, amongst others
• Oversee integration and commissioning of autonomous platforms and weapons payloads in field conditions
• Coordinate and be accountable for system-level validation and verification campaigns, including test events and live demos

Cross-Functional Influence

• Operate with full accountability, even in the absence of direct authority or guidance
• Resolve technical and organizational conflict across functions to maintain execution velocity
• Ruthlessly prioritize tasks and resources to maximize team output in a fluid environment
• Represent the program at technical reviews, demonstrations, and key stakeholder engagements

Artifact & Compliance Management

• Drive creation and management of all required engineering artifacts: systems requirements, interface control documents, cyber compliance packages, safety analyses, etc.

Misc.

• Travel: Moderate (up to 30%). Expect time in office, though flexible based on customer engagement, test campaigns, and platform bring-up travel

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required. Relevant disciplines include
• Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or similar Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) in engineering preferred
• 5+ years of experience in systems integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional engineering teams in high-stakes environments
• Strong background in autonomy, drive-by-wire systems, or closely related fields
• Experience with hardware and software development tools such as SolidWorks, C++, and other engineering toolchains
• Experience working on robotics and autonomous systems for Department of Defense applications
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
• Ability to commute to Clarksburg, MD as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relentless in execution through being a sharp problem solver, people motivator, and being fully accountable for the end outcome.

US Salary Range
 $175,000—$235,000
 

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. 
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires. 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.  

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.   

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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