Hardware Integration Lead

Forterra • Clarksburg, MD

13d • $145,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Forterra’s Emerging Technologies team develops mission-specific autonomous ground vehicle platforms for military and commercial applications. The Hardware Integration Lead directs hardware integration for complex defense autonomy programs and serves as the hardware technical owner, architect, and engineering lead. The role is accountable for technical execution and hardware architecture across mechanical, electrical, and test disciplines, including physical integration of first- and third-party payloads on developmental prototypes and scaling those integrations to production. It also drives hardware product improvements to Core Product for base vehicle platforms, edge compute, and sensors.

This hands-on leadership role carries technical accountability from concept through integration and delivery. The lead works directly with government customers, partners with Chief Engineers and Integration Managers, manages internal engineering execution, collaborates with internal teams such as Operations, Hardware, and Core Product, and supports delivery of fully integrated, mission-capable systems. It requires technical judgment, system-level and lifecycle thinking, direct problem-solving, hands-on leadership, and decision-making under pressure.

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.

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 integrating radar, electronic warfare, and/or remote weapon systems 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 reliable 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.
• Ensure alignment 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 on hardware execution.
• Lead development and decomposition of 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 (V+V) metrics, and coordinate hardware verification and validation campaigns.
• Ensure system reliability in extreme physical environments while supporting test events and live demonstrations.
• Take accountability for hardware outcomes, including when 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 or manage required engineering artifacts, including hardware system requirements, interface control documents, and safety analyses.

Benefits

• Equity is included in most full-time, high-demand roles.
• Three healthcare plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of 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.
• Company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• 20 days of paid time off 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.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with traditional, Roth, and after-tax deferral options and company match up to 4%.

What This Job Offers

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