Chief Engineer, Autonomous Defense Systems Lead

Forterra; Clarksburg (MD); On-site; USD 175,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium Healthcare

PTO 20 days

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

401(k)

Job summary

Forterra is seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs within Emerging Technologies. This hands-on leadership role requires system-level thinking, deep technical judgment, and accountability from concept through integration and delivery.

The role interfaces directly with government customers and internal teams (Operations, Hardware, Core Software) to ensure a fully integrated, mission-capable system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in systems integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional engineering teams in high-stakes environments.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Up to 25% travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide program technical leadership across software, hardware and systems integration.
• Coordinate lifecycle from concept through integration and delivery for autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Define and own architecture across software and hardware domains.
• Lead multiple engineering disciplines and manage technical risks.
• Interface with government customers, partners, and vendors on technical solutions and milestones.
• Ensure compliance with MIL‑STD‑882E, NIST 800‑53 and related standards.

Skills

Systems integration

Autonomy

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Defense programs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Forterra is seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs within Emerging Technologies. This hands-on leadership role requires system-level thinking, deep technical judgment, and accountability from concept through integration and delivery.

The role interfaces directly with government customers and internal teams (Operations, Hardware, Core Software) to ensure a fully integrated, mission-capable system.