Forward Deployed Engineer

Forterra; Clarksburg (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Forterra is seeking a Field Service Engineer to deliver hands-on hardware and software support across customer sites in the U.S. You will diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system issues, aiming to maximize uptime and customer success.

Reporting to the Director of Customer Success, you will travel frequently, work with engineering to resolve field issues, and document actions in detailed field reports. A strong Linux background and networking skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant field experience
• BS in CS/Engineering/Robotics or related
• Proficient in Linux (CLI, logs, admin)
• Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, VPNs)
• Strong debugging and log analysis skills
• Experience diagnosing hardware and software systems
• Clear technical communication for diverse audiences
• Strong documentation and organization
• Independent, customer-facing worker
• Experience integrating software on hardware
• Programming in C++ or Python
• Understanding of algorithms and data structures
• Team player with problem-solving mindset
• Willing to travel up to 75% (intl incl.)

Responsibilities

• Monitor customer system performance and identify issues across hardware and software.
• Provide on-site and remote support to diagnose and resolve issues, minimizing downtime.
• Serve as primary technical escalation point for software and networking issues.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across systems, networking, software.
• Perform log analysis, system health checks, root cause investigations.
• Support installations, upgrades, patches, and config changes in field environments.
• Troubleshoot connectivity (IP, routing, firewalls, VPNs) and integrations.
• Debug and resolve software defects with engineering.
• Assist in deploying and validating software updates.
• Support CLI operations, scripting, and Linux config.
• Maintain detailed service records; generate field reports and work orders.
• Communicate bulletins and product updates to stakeholders.
• Build strong customer relationships; advise on best practices.
• Travel to customer sites; extended deployments in field environments.

Skills

Linux

Networking

C++/Python

Debugging

Documentation

Communication

Field service

Travel-ready

Education

BS in CS/Engineering/Robotics or related

Tools

Linux

VPNs

Diagnostics tools

Job description

About Forterra

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.

Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real‑time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the role

The Field Service Engineer plays a critical role in delivering advanced technical support across hardware and software systems to ensure customer success, system reliability, and operational excellence. Reporting to the Director of Customer Success, this role focuses on hands‑on field support to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system issues.

The Field Service Engineer is responsible for maintaining system uptime, supporting deployments, and serving as a technical expert for customers, with a strong focus on root cause analysis, system integration, and continuous improvement.

This role will support extended deployments in operational field environments, including possible active combat zones.

What you'll do

Customer Product Support

• Monitor customer system performance and proactively identify issues across hardware and software components.
• Provide on‑site and remote support to diagnose and resolve complex system issues, minimizing downtime.
• Serve as a primary technical escalation point for customers, particularly for software, and networking‑related issues.

Technical Expertise and Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve issues across systems, networking infrastructure, and software.
• Perform log analysis, system health checks, and root cause investigations for recurring or critical failures.
• Support system installations, upgrades, patches, and configuration changes in field environments.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues (e.g., IP networking, routing, firewalls, VPNs) and system integrations.

Software & Systems Support

• Work with engineering teams to debug and resolve software defects encountered in the field.
• Assist in deploying and validating software updates, ensuring system stability post‑deployment.
• Support command‑line operations, scripting, and system configuration within Linux environments.

Documentation and Communication

• Maintain detailed records of service activities, including issue diagnostics, resolution processes, asset usage, and customer interactions.
• Generate comprehensive Field Reports and Work Orders to provide actionable feedback to quality and engineering teams.
• Communicate service bulletins, informational notices, and product updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and implementation.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build strong customer relationships by acting as a trusted technical advisor.
• Provide guidance on best practices for system operation, maintenance, and performance optimization.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve customer experience and system reliability.

Travel and Field Operations

• Regularly travel to various customer sites to deliver essential on‑site support, ensuring responsiveness and timely issue resolution.
• Extended deployments in operational field environments, including possible active combat zones
• Ensure readiness and compliance with all safety standards during travel and field service operations.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of relevant experience
• B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field
• Proficiency in Linux systems (command line, system logs, basic administration)
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls, VPNs)
• Strong software troubleshooting skills, including log analysis and debugging
• Experience diagnosing complex systems involving both hardware and software components
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently in dynamic, customer‑facing environments
• Experience in integrating software on hardware products
• Strong programming skills in languages such as C++ or Python
• Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
• Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems
• Ability to travel up to 75%, including internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with autonomous systems, robotics, or distributed systems.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams to resolve field issues.
• Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
• Experience with state machines, motion, path planning, and/or perception pipelines
• Knowledge of navigation, localization, and/or mapping algorithms
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and embedded programming

US Salary Range

$120,000—$150,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full‑time, high‑demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full‑time employees including:

• 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%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

For more information about U.S. Security Clearances:

Forterra is an equal‑opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices.Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.