Platform Control Software Engineer

Forterra; Clarksburg (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium Healthcare benefits

20 days PTO per year

7 weeks parental leave

Tuition reimbursement $9k/year

Job summary

Forterra is seeking a Platform Control Software Engineer to join our team in the United States. You will translate motion planner trajectories into drive‑by‑wire commands, develop control software modules for actuator systems, and implement control algorithms for throttle, brake, and steering.

You will interface with body control systems and participate hands-on in coding, testing, and debugging in a fast‑paced environment that values collaboration and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of experience in control systems engineering.
• Startup experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with automotive/aerospace controls is preferred.
• Strong background in control theory and control systems design.
• Proficiency in C++ programming.

Responsibilities

• Control Systems Development.
• Develop control software modules for vehicle actuation systems.
• Implement control algorithms for throttle, brake, and steering to follow planned trajectories.
• Interface and integrate with body control systems, including headlights and fifth‑wheel lifts.
• Hands‑On Contribution: Engage directly in coding, vehicle testing, and debugging.
• Stay actively involved in technical challenges.

Skills

Control theory

Control systems design

Vehicle dynamics

Robotics

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or Control Systems

Tools

C++

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

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Platform Control Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in control theory, as well as a passion for developing advanced control systems for autonomous vehicles. You will be responsible for working on the platform control software that translates motion planner trajectories to drive‑by‑wire commands.

What you'll do

• Control Systems Development.
• Develop control software modules for vehicle actuation systems.
• Implement control algorithms for throttle, brake, and steering to accurately follow planned trajectories.
• Interface and integrate with body control systems, including headlights and fifth‑wheel lifts.
• Hands-On Contribution:
• Engage directly in coding, vehicle testing, and debugging.
• Stay actively involved in technical challenges.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in control systems engineering.
• Experience in a fast-paced startup environment is highly preferred.
• Experience with real-world controls experience in automotive, aerospace, or related field is preferred
• Strong background in control theory and control systems design.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++
• Experience with vehicle dynamics and actuation systemss

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong product mindset with a focus on delivering customer value.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment.

US Salary Range

$120,000—$185,000

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: click here .

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.