AI Engineer - Military veterans preferred

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

We're looking for an AI/Autonomy Engineer with a passion for modern machine learning and generative models to help shape the next evolution of how autonomous vehicles perceive, reason, and act. You'll be part of a small, elite team building cutting-edge autonomy stacks with a heavy focus on neural-based decision making. This is an ideal role for an exceptional early-career engineer who thrives on solving open-ended challenges, thinks creatively across disciplines, and wants to work at the forefront of generative AI for real-world autonomy.

What You"ll Do

• Develop and implement AI models to power vehicle perception, behavior, and decision-making
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate neural-based modules into real-time autonomy pipelines
• Research and prototype novel neural architectures, generative approaches, and AI planning strategies
• Work with simulation environments and real-world data to train, test, and iterate on high-performing models
• Write robust, production-quality code in C++ and Python for deployment in high-stakes field conditions
• Leverage GPU acceleration (CUDA, TensorRT) to optimize models for real-time inference
• Stay on top of emerging developments in generative AI, neural networks, and machine learning research

What We"re Looking For

• Strong foundation in AI/ML principles, neural networks, and modern generative model techniques (e.g., transformers, diffusion models, LLMs)
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; CUDA experience preferred
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
• Demonstrated creativity and curiosity—whether through research, side projects, or non-traditional problem solving
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, highly technical, R&D-driven environment
• Clear, structured thinking and a high sense of ownership over your work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with reinforcement learning, self-supervised learning, or behavior modeling
• Exposure to robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS2), simulation tools (CARLA, Isaac Sim), or autonomous systems
• Contributions to open-source projects or technical communities
• Familiarity with systems-level concerns around autonomy (latency, safety, interpretability)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor"s or Master"s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or related technical field

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.

PI268143940