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

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you'll be responsible for developing, validating, and optimizing integration processes for autonomous vehicle systems-from prototype through full-rate production. You'll collaborate closely with design, systems, integration, and production teams to bring new solutions to life and ensure they're built right, every time.

What you'll do

1. Act as the manufacturing liaison between engineering and production teams, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to repeatable builds.
2. Provide hands-on engineering support to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems in production.
3. Create and maintain process documentation: work instructions, torque specs, visual aids, and build checklists. To include Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Control Plans.
4. Lead DFM/DFA reviews and provide actionable feedback to design and integration engineers.
5. Support prototype builds and evolve them into production-ready processes with clear documentation and quality controls.
6. Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout. This includes driving product waste reductions.
7. Lead continuous improvement activities as applicable.

Qualifications

• Background in automotive, aerospace, robotics, or similar system-level integration environments.
• Proven ability to design, iterate, and validate processes across mechanical and electrical domains.
• Excellent communication skills-you can translate engineering requirements into technician-friendly instructions.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced settings. Knowledgeable in using 8D problem solving to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems.
• Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical assembly processes, including torque specs, fixturing, and connector systems.
• Proficiency with CAD (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo) and documentation tools.
• Comfort working in shop/lab environments and directly supporting build teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous vehicle hardware or similar sensor/compute integrations.
• Exposure to low-volume, high-mix production environments.
• Experience with leading root cause analysis, PFMEA development, and familiarity with Six Sigma/Lean tools.
• Passion for building things that actually ship-and a desire to help others do the same.
• Experience with tooling/die design development to include check fixtures.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field).
• 3-6 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing engineering role, ideally with exposure to both low-volume prototyping and scalable production.
• Experience creating and maintaining detailed build documentation.

US Salary Range $115,000-$140,000

Location Clarksburg, MD - On-Site 5 Days/Week Less than 10 % Travel Required

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.