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Forterra · 3 days ago

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$175K/yr - $235K/yr

5+ years exp

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems focused on building technology that supports front-line soldiers and civilian workers. They are seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs, ensuring the delivery of fully integrated, mission-capable systems while managing internal engineering execution and collaborating with government customers.

Defense & Space

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

Qualification

Systems integrationRoboticsAutonomous vehiclesTechnical leadershipSolidWorksC++Drive-by-wire systemsTeam motivationCross-functional collaborationProblem solvingCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required. Relevant disciplines include Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or similar

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

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

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%.