Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

Forterra is a leader in autonomous systems for ground-based operations, developing technology that protects front-line soldiers and empowers civilian workers in critical industries. We're now expanding that mission through Vektor — a next-generation, edge-deployed, software-defined communication and smart data-brokering layer designed for operations in disrupted, degraded, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments. Joining the Vektor team means helping shape how humans and autonomous systems stay connected when it matters most.

Design, develop, and optimize C++ and Python components supporting critical middleware, configuration management, data logging, and diagnostic subsystems in distributed robotic platforms.

Translate high-level concepts and system requirements into reliable, maintainable software implementations.

Analyze and validate software for safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, and system security across complex, mission-critical systems.

Debug and triage real-world communication and networking challenges from deployed autonomous ground systems.

Collaborate in design reviews and code discussions, mentoring teammates and driving best practices for modern C++ and Python development.

Implement and maintain robust unit, integration, and system-level tests to ensure stability and performance.

Profile, troubleshoot, and optimize software performance across multiple hardware and networked subsystems.

Contribute to the evolution of our middleware architecture, shaping how autonomous platforms communicate, share data, and operate in constrained environments.

We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Vektor, Forterra's team developing advanced communication and data systems for autonomous ground operations. You'll design and build high performance software in C++ and Python, creating the middleware and infrastructure that enable distributed robotic systems to operate reliably in complex, real-world environments.

We're seeking engineers who thrive on solving challenging systems problems, have a deep understanding of performance and reliability, and want to help define the next generation of resilient, software-defined communications at the edge.

5 Years of experience developing in Linux-based environments

Hands-on experience with middleware frameworks and communication protocols (e.g., ROS, DDS, Protobuf, gRPC)

Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code

Strong understanding of multi-threaded programming, concurrency, and performance optimization

Proven ability to design scalable systems and develop clean, intuitive APIs

Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance

Familiarity with the challenges of wireless, wired, cloud, and satellite communications

Working knowledge of networking fundamentals — TCP/IP stack, TCP, UDP, IPv4, routing, and firewall tools (e.g., iptables)

Experience with distributed systems

US Salary Range $165,000 - $185,000

Location Hybrid in Palo Alto, CA

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.