Software Engineer, Safety Critical Embedded Systems

Forterra • Clarksburg, MD

1d • $150,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Forterra is seeking a Software Engineer to design, implement, test, and maintain safety-critical embedded software for autonomous ground vehicles. This individual-contributor role spans the full software lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, integration, debugging, and verification. The engineer works closely with software, systems, test, and safety engineers to deliver dependable code, resolve embedded-system problems, and produce evidence for customer and safety reviews. The role involves working close to hardware and developing software that behaves correctly in real-world conditions.

The position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• At least three years of experience developing embedded software or safety-critical software.
• Proficiency in C or C++ and working knowledge of Python or another scripting language.
• Experience developing software for an RTOS, embedded target, or other resource-constrained system.
• Experience with Git, CMake, continuous integration, code review, and related software development practices.
• Familiarity with requirements management, requirements traceability, and software verification.
• Familiarity with MISRA C or MISRA C++, static analysis, unit testing, and code coverage.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, and clear written and verbal communication.
• Able to travel 10–25%.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying safety-critical development and assurance standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, DO-178C, MIL-STD-882E, JSSSEH, or JS-SSA-IG.
• Experience with QNX, Linux, NXP S32G, or similar embedded platforms.
• Experience with CAN, CAN-FD, Ethernet, UDS, J1939, or other vehicle networks and diagnostic protocols.
• Understanding of robotics domains such as motion control, planning, perception, fault management, and vehicle interfaces.
• Experience integrating electromechanical systems in automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial, defense, or similar environments.
• Experience providing technical leadership through design reviews, mentoring, or improvements to shared development practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain safety-critical embedded software for autonomous ground vehicle platforms.
• Translate system and software requirements into readable, testable C and C++ code.
• Implement fault detection, fault handling, diagnostics, and safe-response behavior across supported vehicle platforms.
• Write unit, integration, and target-based tests; support automated verification and coverage analysis.
• Debug hardware, software, firmware, timing, communications, and integration problems using logs, traces, debuggers, and instrumentation.
• Participate in architecture, design, code, and test-plan reviews, emphasizing correctness, safety, maintainability, and testability.
• Document implementation decisions, test results, anomaly resolution, and requirements traceability for review and reuse.
• Collaborate with systems, test, and safety engineers to improve requirements, resolve defects, support assessments, and strengthen shared software practices.

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 the plan premium for the employee and dependents.
• Basic life/AD&D and short- and long-term disability insurance 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 paid time off accrued per year.
• At least seven 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 and company match up to 4%.
• Stocked beverage refrigerators.

What This Job Offers

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