Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

About the role

Join Forterras Emerging Tech team as a Vehicle Controls Software Engineer whereyoulldesign and implement drive-by-wire control systems for next-generation autonomous ground vehicles. Based at our Arlington Research Centeryoullwork on critical programs that bring autonomous capabilities to military and commercial platforms.

This role combines deep technical ownership with meaningful mission impact.You willleadthe 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 Forterras ground autonomy systems tosafely and precisely control real vehiclesin complex environments turning high-level navigation commands into smooth reliable vehicle motion.

What youll do

Embedded Controls Development

• 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 thatoperatereliably in field conditions

System Modeling & Controller Design

• Model vehicle dynamics andidentifykey physics parameters through testing and analysis

• Designappropriate controllers(PID state-space nonlinear) based on vehicle characteristics

• Use Simulink and other model-based tools to prototype andvalidatecontrol strategies

• Tune controllers foroptimalperformance 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 andoptimizesystem 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

• Bachelors 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

• Previouswork on drive-by-wire systems or vehicle automation

• Experience withCANbusprotocols and automotive communication standards

• Familiarity with safety-critical software development practices

• Active security clearance

US Salary Range
$120000$200000

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 Forterras overall compensation 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.

Required Experience:

IC