Chief Engineer

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About The Role

The Platform Verticals at Forterra develop mission specific, autonomous ground vehicle platforms spanning both the commercial yard truck space and military vehicle applications. Our systems must be field-ready, reliable, and compliant with safety, cybersecurity, and mission assurance standards. We work closely with government and commercial stakeholders to deliver high-performance ground autonomy solutions for complex, real-world environments.

We are seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs within a Platform Vertical. This role carries full accountability for technical outcomes from concept through integration and delivery. The Chief Engineer will interface directly with government customers, manage internal engineering execution, collaborate with all internal partners (Operations, Hardware, Core Software, etc.), and ensure delivery of a fully integrated, mission-capable system. This position is not a coordination role it requires deep technical judgment, direct problem-solving, hands-on leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and decision-making under pressure.

What You'll Do

Program Technical Leadership

• Coordinate the software development lifecycle for integrated vehicle systems, ensuring robust, reliable autonomy and seamless subsystem interaction
• Define, manage, and own the logical and physical system architecture for the specific program across software and hardware domains
• Lead technical execution across multiple engineering disciplines (software, electrical, mechanical, autonomy, systems, and systems integration)
• Manage and mitigate technical and programmatic risks through proactive design and schedule control
• Own the engineering schedule and ensure alignment with overall program milestones and delivery dates

Systems Engineering & Integration

Cross-Functional Influence

Artifact & Compliance Management

Misc.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

US Salary Range

$175,000$235,000

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 :

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.

To see Forterra's candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice .

The pay range for this role is :

175,000 - 235,000 USD per year(AVA)

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