Software Lead

Forterra; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium Healthcare Benefits

401(k) retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading autonomous systems company is seeking a skilled Software Integration Leader in Arlington, Virginia, to design and optimize software solutions for robotics and automation. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience, strong programming skills in C++ and Python, and a background in leading cross-functional teams. The role offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 to $200,000 and excellent benefits including premium healthcare and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 7 or more years of relevant experience.
• 3 or more years leading software engineers and products.
• Experience in integrating software on hardware products.
• Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement software using C++ in a Linux environment.
• Work with stakeholders to define requirements and verify systems.
• Integrate software into production platforms and deploy it.
• Test and evaluate performance of software features.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Leadership

Software design

Unit testing

Debugging

Problem solving

Algorithms knowledge

Education

B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics

Tools

Real-time operating systems

Embedded programming

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 talented Software Integration Leader with a passion for autonomous systems to design, develop, and optimize software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. The ideal candidate has a strong software development, testing and leadership background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross‑functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems.

What you'll do

• Design and implement software using C++ in a Linux environment
• Work with stakeholders to define requirements and integrate and verify systems
• Integrate software into production platforms and deploy it
• Develop and maintain software solutions, including debugging, maintenance, and updating
• Test and evaluate performance of software feature in both simulation and on‑vehicle
• Lead cross functional teams to ensure reliable and effective vehicle behaviors
• Analyze test results, identify issues, and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve problems
• Provide performance data and constructive feedback to hardware design and manufacturing teams
• Travel ranging from 10-25% depending on candidate preference and role placement

Qualifications

• 7 or more years of relevant experience
• 3 or more years leading SW engineers and products
• B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field
• Experience in integrating software on hardware products
• Strong programming skills in languages such as C++ or Python
• Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
• Ability to consistently deliver production‑quality software in a continuously integrated environment
• Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
• Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and embedded programming
• Leadership experience on cross‑functional software teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
• Experience with safety‑critical systems (e.g., MIL-STD-882, ISO-26262, DO-178)
• Experience with state machines, motion, path planning, and/or perception pipelines
• Knowledge of navigation, localization, and/or mapping algorithms

US Salary Range
$130,000—$200,000

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.

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.