Systems Test Engineering, Senior

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. Forterra builds autonomous ground systems that operate in the real world: industrial sites, logistics yards, and contested environments. We validate autonomous vehicles across simulation, hardware‑in‑the‑loop benches, and live vehicle testing to reduce risk, expose failure modes early, and ensure mission success for both commercial and DoD customers. As a System Test Engineer you will play a critical role in ensuring the functional safety, reliability, and performance of autonomous vehicle subsystems. This is an on‑site role requiring hands‑on exposure to cutting edge technology and real‑world environments.

Translate system requirements and user journeys into structured test plans and scenario matrices

Identify operational edge cases and risk‑driven test permutations

Execute and oversee testing across simulation, benches, and real vehicles

Analyze results, perform root cause analysis, and clearly communicate risk and readiness

Partner with Systems, Software, Hardware, and Safety to define V&V strategy

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field

Hands‑on experience testing, troubleshooting hardware or software systems

Customer‑focused mindset and sense of quality

Experience analyzing complex failures across hardware, software, and integration boundaries

Working knowledge of autonomous or complex cyber‑physical systems

Candidate should be a flexible team player with good oral and written communication skills, and able to work effectively in a very fast‑paced environment with team members from many different disciplines

Willingness to travel for testing and field support (up to ~25%)

Experience with automotive and defense safety standards such as ISO 26262 and/or MIL‑STD882E

Working understanding of autonomous system architectures including perception, planning, and control subsystems

Understanding of automotive electronics and a familiarity with communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, and LIN

Experience with CI/CD pipelines, data pipelines, or automated test frameworks

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:

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.

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%.

S. security clearance.
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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.