Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

Forterra • Clarksburg, MD

10d • $120,000 - $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Join Forterra's Emerging Tech team as a Vehicle Controls Software Engineer, where you'll design and implement drive-by-wire control systems for next-generation autonomous ground vehicles. Based at our Arlington Research Center, you'll work on critical programs that bring autonomous capabilities to military and commercial platforms. This role combines deep technical ownership with meaningful mission impact. You will lead the development of vehicle controls projects, collaborating with hardware engineers and autonomy teams at key interfaces while owning the complete controls software stack from system modeling through deployment. Your work directly enables Forterra's ground autonomy systems to safely and precisely control real vehicles in complex environments — turning high-level navigation commands into smooth, reliable vehicle motion.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience developing control systems for vehicles, robotics, aerospace, or similar motion control applications
• Hands-on experience programming in C for embedded, real-time systems
• Working knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Strong background in control theory including PID control and system modeling
• Experience with vehicle dynamics, system identification, and controller tuning
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance
• Ability to work on ITAR-controlled and CUI projects

Nice To Haves

• Experience with model-based development tools, particularly Simulink
• Background in nonlinear control methods and advanced control theory
• Previous work on drive-by-wire systems or vehicle automation
• Experience with CANbus protocols and automotive communication standards
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development practices
• Active security clearance

Responsibilities

• Design and implement vehicle control algorithms in C and Simulink for real-time embedded systems
• Develop drive-by-wire software for steering, throttle, and braking systems
• Create robust, safety-critical control loops that operate reliably in field conditions
• Model vehicle dynamics and identify key physics parameters through testing and analysis
• Design appropriate controllers (PID, state-space, nonlinear) based on vehicle characteristics
• Use Simulink and other model-based tools to prototype and validate control strategies
• Tune controllers for optimal performance across different vehicle platforms
• Integrate control systems with broader autonomy software stacks
• Work with hardware teams on sensor integration and actuator interfaces
• Debug and optimize system performance through vehicle testing and data analysis

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.
• A $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%.

What This Job Offers

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