Hardware Engineer

Forterra • Clarksburg, MD

4d

About The Position

The Emerging Technologies team at Forterra develops mission-specific autonomous ground vehicle platforms for military and commercial applications. The Hardware Engineer is the technical owner, architect, and engineering lead for hardware integration on complex defense autonomy programs. The role is accountable for detailed technical execution, hardware architecture, and engineering across mechanical, electrical, and test disciplines, from concept through integration and delivery.

The engineer leads physical integration of first- and third-party payloads for developmental prototypes and production, and drives hardware product improvements for base vehicle platforms, edge compute, and sensors. The position involves direct engagement with government customers, partnership with Chief Engineers and Integration Managers, management of internal engineering execution, and collaboration with Operations, Hardware, Core Product, and other internal partners to deliver fully integrated, mission-capable systems. It calls for hands-on technical judgment, system-level and lifecycle thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure; it is not a coordination-only role.

The position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance and may involve up to 25% travel. The stated U.S. salary range is $145,000–$165,000. Forterra notes that equity is included in most full-time, high-demand roles and describes a competitive benefits package for full-time employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field; relevant disciplines include Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or similar.
• At least 3 years of experience in systems integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams in high-stakes environments.
• Background in payload integration, electro-optical and radio frequency components, or closely related fields.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Up to 25% travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in engineering.
• 7 or more years of experience in hardware engineering, system integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Experience working on robotics and autonomous systems for Department of War applications.
• Experience in DoD acquisition programs or direct collaboration with military end-users.
• Experience with payload integration on ground vehicles.
• Experience with radar, electronic warfare, and/or remote weapon system integration onto ground combat vehicles.
• Experience with test procedures and requirements for MIL-STD-810H, ATPD-2404, ATPD-2407, ATPD-2099, or similar documents.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the hardware development lifecycle for integrated vehicle systems, including robust autonomy, subsystem interaction, and payload integration.
• Define, manage, and own logical, physical, and electrical system architecture in the hardware domain.
• Define, manage, and own physical interfaces for payload integration.
• Lead technical execution across electrical, mechanical, systems, and systems integration disciplines.
• Manage and mitigate technical and programmatic risks through proactive design.
• Align engineering execution with program milestones and delivery dates.
• Collaborate with defense customers, partners, and vendors on technical solutions and delivery milestones.
• Partner with the Chief Engineer and work directly with the Integration Manager.
• Develop and decompose hardware system requirements and interface definitions for programs and payloads.
• Lead hardware preparation, technical artifacts, and clear-to-build criteria for milestones including Hardware SRR, PDR, CDR, and Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR).
• Ensure compliance with program-specific standards, including MIL-STD-882E and MIL-STD-810H.
• Define, implement, and track hardware verification and validation metrics, and coordinate hardware verification and validation campaigns.
• Support test events and live demonstrations while ensuring system reliability in extreme physical environments.
• Take accountability for hardware outcomes, including where direct authority or guidance is absent.
• Prioritize tasks and resources to maximize team hardware output in a fluid, dynamic environment.
• Represent the program at technical reviews, demonstrations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Create and/or manage engineering artifacts, including hardware system requirements, interface control documents, and safety analyses.
• Lead physical integration of first- and third-party payloads from developmental prototypes through production.
• Drive hardware product improvements for base vehicle platforms, edge compute, and sensors.

Benefits

• Equity is included in most full-time, high-demand roles.
• Three premium healthcare plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan; Forterra covers 80% of plan premiums for the employee and dependents.
• Basic life/AD&D and short- and long-term disability insurance plans fully covered by Forterra, with the option to purchase additional life insurance for the employee and dependents.
• Company holiday calendar, including a winter break in December.
• 20 days of PTO accrued per year.
• At least 7 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• $9,000 annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with traditional, Roth, and after-tax deferral options, plus company match up to 4%.
• Stocked beverage refrigerators.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level