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
- Act as the manufacturing liaison between engineering and production teams, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to repeatable builds.
- Provide hands?on engineering support to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems in production.
- Create and maintain process documentation: work instructions, torque specs, visual aids, and build checklists. To include Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Control Plans.
- Lead DFM/DFA reviews and provide actionable feedback to design and integration engineers.
- Support prototype builds and evolve them into production-ready processes with clear documentation and quality controls.
- Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout. This includes driving product waste reductions. (Scrap)
- 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.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI269514627
