Mechanical Engineer - Mission Modules - 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

Forterra is advancing the frontier of autonomous ground systems through a new generation of mission module capabilities—integrating payloads like Counter-UAS, fire-control, combat engineering, and advanced ISR onto rugged, vehicle-based platforms. We are looking for a skilled Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems that house, actuate, and protect these critical payloads.

This role will own the end-to-end mechanical design and integration of mission payloads into Forterra's autonomy platform. You will work closely with cross-functional teams—including electrical, autonomy, and systems engineering—as well as with government stakeholders and external subsystem partners to deliver robust, modular, and field-ready solutions.

What you'll do

• Design and package mechanical subsystems, including enclosures, mounts, thermal structures, and interfaces for ruggedized payload integration

• Create and manage detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and assemblies using SolidWorks, Creo, or similar tools

• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analysis (FEA/CFD) to ensure performance under operational and environmental loads

• Integrate mission-critical payloads—such as sensors, optics, and RF systems—into vehicle platforms with attention to mechanical, thermal, and access constraints

• Lead mechanical integration for subsystems involving hydraulic and pneumatic components

• Drive rapid prototyping and iterative development using additive manufacturing and hands-on assembly

• Ensure manufacturability, maintainability, and compliance with MIL-STD-810 and other relevant standards

• Collaborate cross-functionally and with external vendors to define and validate mechanical interfaces and system requirements

• Support field integration, testing, and troubleshooting across lab, range, and operational environments

• Participate in test campaigns, user feedback sessions, and system sustainment efforts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and integration for autonomous systems, defense platforms, or robotics

• Deep proficiency in CAD modeling and mechanical drafting (Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent)

• Hands-on experience with structural, thermal, and shock/vibe simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL)

• Proven ability to design rugged systems meeting constraints for sealing, shock, vibration, and heat dissipation

• Knowledge of vehicle systems, especially hydraulic and pneumatic subsystem integration

• Strong capability in rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing workflows

• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-882, and other defense-relevant environmental and safety standards

• Experience with DFM/DFA principles and quick-turn prototype iteration

• U.S. Persons and eligibility for a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating defense-grade payloads or weapon systems

• Experience integrating sensors, optics, and other complex mechatronic systems into system-level architectures

• Background designing actuated or gimbaled electro-mechanical assemblies

• Knowledge of interface control documentation and system-level requirement flow down

• Field testing experience supporting live-fire, operational, or military exercises

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing tools and workflows. Strong cross-functional communication skills in high-stakes environments

US Salary Range
$125,000—$160,000

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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