Mission Test Operator - 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

As a Mission Test Operator (MTO), you will play a critical role in supporting and executing rigorous testing of vehicle systems, hardware, and software in real-world environments. You will be responsible for vehicle operations, data collection, safety compliance, and issue tracking while working closely with cross functional teams. This role requires a strong attention to detail, technical aptitude, and the ability to operate in dynamic environments. You will also be expected to travel up to 30% to various test sites, partner locations, or customer demonstrations as needed.

What you"ll do

• Test Execution & Support
• • Operate and test vehicles in diverse terrains, weather conditions, and operational scenarios to validate system performance.
  • Collaborate with engineering, software, and operations teams to execute structured test plans and test cases.
  • Follow established mission protocols, safety procedures, and compliance guidelines while conducting test activities.
• Data Collection & Analysis
• • Accurately collect vehicle, sensor, and environmental data during testing operations.
  • Perform initial data analysis and document test results, anomalies, and observations to support engineering teams.
  • Utilize tracking tools to log, categorize, and escalate issues effectively.
• Issue Reporting & Documentation
• • Record and escalate hardware/software issues based on severity and impact on testing.
  • Maintain clear and concise test logs, notes, and reports to ensure traceability and consistency across teams.
  • Contribute to test process improvements and recommend operational efficiencies.
• Safety & Compliance
• • Adhere to strict safety protocols, operational guidelines, and testing best practices at all times.
  • Report and document any safety concerns, near misses, or incidents immediately.
  • Stay current on vehicle operation training, safety standards, and emergency procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong technical aptitude with an ability to operate and troubleshoot complex systems.
• Proficiency in test data collection, documentation, and analysis tools (Jira, Testrail, spreadsheets, or similar).
• Ability to work in challenging outdoor environments with varying terrain and conditions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow structured procedures.
• Strong communication skills for reporting test results and collaborating with engineers.
• Ability to travel up to 30% for testing, training, and demonstrations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous vehicle testing, military systems, or defense-related projects.
• Hands-on experience with vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, or hardware upgrades.
• Experience with data logging, telemetry, or system performance analysis.
• Prior military, government, or defense industry experience is a plus.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with vehicle operations, field testing, or military/civilian test programs.

US Hourly Range
$31 — $33 /hr

Location
Clarksburg, MD - On-Site
30 % Travel Required, Including Short-Notice Travel

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.

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