Simulation Software Engineer

Forterra; Clarksburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium Healthcare Benefits

Paid time off 20 days

Parental leave 7 weeks

Tuition reimbursement $9k

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Forterra is seeking a Simulation Software Engineer to design, develop, test, and maintain simulation systems for autonomous off-road and on-road applications in defense and commercial sectors. The role emphasizes Unreal, C++, and scripting in Lua or Python, with a strong focus on real-time development and cross-functional collaboration.

You will contribute across the development cycle, support automated tests, and help evaluate new simulation platforms while working in a distributed team to meet

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in real-time software development.
• Proficient in C++ and Lua or Python.
• Experience with Unreal or similar engines.
• Familiarity with automated testing platforms and methodologies.
• Proficient in Linux development environments.
• Strong 3D math and geometry fundamentals.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex software issues.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop simulation features, scenarios, and integrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance simulation usage.
• Participate in agile ceremonies and task planning.
• Work with systems, safety, and test groups to meet program needs.
• Develop software across the development cycle with testing and verification.
• Support troubleshooting, integration, and automated tests.
• Evaluate new simulation platforms and provide input.
• Work in a distributed team to achieve sprint goals.
• Contribute to feature identification for releases.

Skills

Real-Time development

C++

Lua or Python

Automated testing

Linux

3D math

Problem solving

Unreal

GitLab workflows

Tools

ROS

Docker

Conan

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

Forterra is seeking a Simulation Software Engineer responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining simulation systems for autonomous off-road and on road applications in defense and commercial industries. This role demands expertise in software engineering, with a particular emphasis in simulation development. Expertise with Unreal, or similar is a must along with C++ and a scripting language (preferably Lua or Python).

What You’ll Do

• Design and development of simulation software features, scenarios, and integrations.
• Provide domain expertise to interface with software teams to improve and increase the usage of simulation.
• Software development activities such as agile ceremonies, task updates, and team meetings.
• Collaborate with engineers from other cross-functional groups such as systems, safety and test to ensure product and program level needs are met.
• Develop software throughout the development cycle, from collecting feature requests to their final delivery via thorough testing and verification activities.
• Support troubleshooting, integration, development, and fix of automated tests.
• Participate in evaluation of new simulation platforms and products to provide critical input.
• Work in a distributed team to accomplish sprint goals.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to identify features, improvements, and scenarios needed to achieve software releases.

What We’re Looking For:

A team player who is passionate about simulation that is willing to engage meaningfully across the simulation team and other teams to ensure simulation will successfully contribute to the success of our product deliveries.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ Years of experience
• Experience in Real-Time development.
• Expertise in C++ and Lua or Python.
• Familiarity with automated testing platforms and methodologies.
• Experience with Linux as a primary OS.
• Fundamental understanding of 3D math and geometry.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, with an ability to troubleshoot and resolve software issues.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple tasks and priorities. Expertise developing with Unreal.
• Experience with gitlab workflows and code reviews.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automotive simulation and physics models specific to tires, suspension, terrain dynamics, or related.
• Experience with terrain development, especially off-road terrains.
• Strong understanding of sensor simulation (LiDAR, RADAR, and Camera).
• Experience with robotics including ROS.
• Experience in UDP, TCP, and/or CAN Bus.
• Experience with Docker or other containerization.
• Experience with Conan or similar.
• Experience working for an autonomous vehicle company or project.

US Salary Range
$145,000—$195,000 USD

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.

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. 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 applications will receive equal consideration for employment.