Forterra · 1 day ago
Chief Engineer - Emerging Technologies
Arlington, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$175K/yr - $235K/yr
5+ years expForterra is focused on transforming the battlefield through autonomous technologies. The Chief Engineer will lead technical execution for defense autonomy programs, ensuring high-performance solutions and compliance with safety and cybersecurity standards.
Defense & Space
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
Collaborate directly with defense customers, partners, and vendors to align on technical solutions and delivery milestones
Lead development and decomposition of system requirements and interface definitions for the program (Accountable but will have support from the broader org and dedicated resources within the division)
Ensure compliance with program-specific standards including MIL-STD-882E, NIST 800-53, amongst others
Oversee integration and commissioning of autonomous platforms and weapons payloads in field conditions
Coordinate and be accountable for system-level validation and verification campaigns, including test events and live demos
Operate with full accountability, even in the absence of direct authority or guidance
Resolve technical and organizational conflict across functions to maintain execution velocity
Ruthlessly prioritize tasks and resources to maximize team output in a fluid environment
Represent the program at technical reviews, demonstrations, and key stakeholder engagements
Drive creation and management of all required engineering artifacts: systems requirements, interface control documents, cyber compliance packages, safety analyses, etc
Conduct or supervise integration, verification & validation, Demonstration, and Test in lab and field environments
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required. Relevant disciplines include: Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or similar
Minimum 5+ years of experience in systems integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles
Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional engineering teams in high-stakes environments
Strong background in autonomy, drive-by-wire systems, or closely related fields
Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
Preferred
Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) in engineering preferred
10+ Years of Experience in systems integration, robotics, or autonomous vehicles
Experience working on robotics and autonomous systems for Department of Defense applications
Experience in DoD acquisition programs or direct collaboration with military end-users
Benefits
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.
$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%.
Company
Forterra
Forterra delivers autonomous mission systems for defense.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Washington Technology
2025-11-14
Company data provided by crunchbase