Lead Hardware Engineer Autonomous Ground Vehicles

Forterra; Clarksburg (MD); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO 20 days

Parental leave 7 weeks

Tuition reimbursement $9k

401(k) match

Job summary

Forterra is seeking a Hardware Engineer to lead hardware integration for defense autonomy programs. You will own hardware architecture across mechanical, electrical, and test disciplines and supervise payload integration from development prototypes to production.

This hands-on role requires system-level thinking, direct problem solving, and close collaboration with government customers and internal partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in systems integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles.
• Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams in high-stakes environments.
• Background in payload integration, EO and RF components, or closely related fields.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Up to 25% travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the hardware development lifecycle for integrated vehicle systems.
• Define, manage, and own the system architecture for hardware programs.
• Define, manage, and own the physical interfaces for payload integration.
• Lead technical execution across electrical, mechanical, systems, and integration teams.
• Create and manage engineering artifacts: requirements, interface control documents, safety analyses.
• Interface with government customers and internal partners to ensure successful delivery.

Skills

Systems integration

Robotics

Autonomous vehicles

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Forterra is seeking a Hardware Engineer to lead hardware integration for defense autonomy programs. You will own hardware architecture across mechanical, electrical, and test disciplines and supervise payload integration from development prototypes to production.

This hands-on role requires system-level thinking, direct problem solving, and close collaboration with government customers and internal partners.