Apply on Employer Site

Forterra · 3 hours ago

Electrical Engineer - Mission Modules

Clarksburg, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$125K/yr - $160K/yr

5+ years exp

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement, focused on building technology for both military and civilian applications. They are seeking a highly capable Electrical Engineer to design, integrate, and validate complex electrical systems for mission modules, ensuring reliable interfaces with autonomy stacks and tactical networks.

Defense & Space

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design and integrate power distribution, communications, signal routing, and compute infrastructure for mission payloads, including kinetic effectors, RF systems, sensors, and fire-control modules

Architect modular, standards-compliant interfaces using open frameworks like IOP, VICTORY, J1939, and ensure conformance with MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-882E

Develop and validate electrical artifacts such as interface control documents (ICDs), wiring diagrams, and harness documentation

Lead hands-on system integration, bring-up, and testing across lab and field environments, including EMI/EMC validation and battlefield failure mode protection

Design and develop custom PCBs and electrical subsystems using Altium, including support for sensor and camera systems with common video transports (GMSL, FPD-Link, Ethernet video)

Collaborate with government stakeholders and third-party subsystem providers to align requirements, validate performance, and support operational testing and deployment. Provide ongoing troubleshooting, qualification, and user-centric support for fielded and production systems

Qualification

Electrical engineeringOpen systems architectureCustom PCB designRF integrationEMI/EMC compliancePower distributionSensor integrationMIL-STD complianceSimulation toolsTroubleshooting skillsCollaboration skills

Required

5+ years of experience in electrical engineering for defense, robotics, or autonomous platforms

Strong understanding of open systems architecture standards (IOP, VICTORY) and mission module integration practices

Proficiency with Ethernet, CAN, and serial-based payloads, including fire-control systems and safe/arm architecture

Experience in autonomous or robotic systems for DoD use, with working knowledge of power budgeting, MIL-STD-1275 compliance, and vehicle-based DC distribution (12V–48V)

Hands-on experience with RF integration and EMI/EMC compliance to MIL-STD-464 and MIL-STD461

Experience developing custom PCBs using Altium

Competency in sensor and camera system integration with video transport standards

Familiarity with MIL-STD-882E and safety-critical electrical design principles

U.S. Persons and eligibility for a security clearance

Preferred

Support experience for live-fire exercises, test events, or operational demos of integrated weapon systems

Familiarity with platform power management strategies, including load shedding, battery management (BMS), and redundant architectures

Proven history working with Fire control systems and other Mission Critical systems IAW with DOD standards (MIL-STD-882E, WSESRB, FUZE)

Knowledge of NATO STANAGs related to vehicle and payload interoperability

Experience collaborating with defense primes or integrators and developing supporting documentation (ICDs, test procedures, verification reports)

Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) for EMI/EMC modeling or circuit validation

Exposure to MIL-STD-810 or similar environmental qualification standards

Experience in rapid prototyping and iterative development, including bench-top testing and debugging

Familiarity with CAN diagnostic tools (Vector, CANalyzer, SavvyCAN)

Benefits

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.

$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%.