Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

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.

Join Forterra's Emerging Tech team as a Vehicle Controls Software Engineer, where you'll design and implement drive-by-wire control systems for next-generation autonomous ground vehicles. Based at our Arlington Research Center, you'll work on critical programs that bring autonomous capabilities to military and commercial platforms.

This role combines deep technical ownership with meaningful mission impact. You will lead the development of vehicle controls projects, collaborating with hardware engineers and autonomy teams at key interfaces while owning the complete controls software stack from system modeling through deployment.

Your work directly enables Forterra's ground autonomy systems to safely and precisely control real vehicles in complex environments — turning high-level navigation commands into smooth, reliable vehicle motion.

What you'll do

• Design and implement vehicle control algorithms in C and Simulink for real-time embedded systems
• Develop drive-by-wire software for steering, throttle, and braking systems
• Create robust, safety-critical control loops that operate reliably in field conditions

System Modeling & Controller Design

• Model vehicle dynamics and identify key physics parameters through testing and analysis
• Design appropriate controllers (PID, state-space, nonlinear) based on vehicle characteristics
• Use Simulink and other model-based tools to prototype and validate control strategies
• Tune controllers for optimal performance across different vehicle platforms

Integration & Deployment

• Integrate control systems with broader autonomy software stacks
• Work with hardware teams on sensor integration and actuator interfaces
• Debug and optimize system performance through vehicle testing and data analysis

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing control systems for vehicles, robotics, aerospace, or similar motion control applications
• Hands-on experience programming in C for embedded, real-time systems
• Working knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Strong background in control theory including PID control and system modeling
• Experience with vehicle dynamics, system identification, and controller tuning
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance
• Ability to work on ITAR-controlled and CUI projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with model-based development tools, particularly Simulink
• Background in nonlinear control methods and advanced control theory
• Previous work on drive-by-wire systems or vehicle automation
• Experience with CANbus protocols and automotive communication standards
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development practices
• Active security clearance

US Salary Range $120,000—$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.