Senior Mechanical Engineer

About Forterra
At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.
Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the role

The Forterra Edge Compute Team is looking for a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to help drive Forterra’s industrial portfolio. In this role, you’ll contribute to the integration of our AutoDrive system. You’ll work closely with teams to develop innovative solutions, refine concepts into manufacturable designs, and support integration from early-stage prototypes to final production and product sustainment. This is a hands-on opportunity to build foundational experience across a wide range of mechanical engineering disciplines. You’ll be exposed to real-world challenges and given the tools to grow into a key contributor on cutting-edge projects.

What you'll do

• Be a key member of Forterra’s Hardware Integration Team 

• Complete mechanical designs within the context of system constraints 

• Be hands-on with the vehicle architecture, troubleshoot hardware systems, and identify areas of improvement 

• Create drawing packages, work instructions, and test procedures 

• Build, test, and validate designs against system requirements 

• Analyze designs for DFM, DFA, and Cost 

• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions 

• Work closely with electrical and software teams to satisfy system requirements 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or related field 

• 4+ years experience in basic mechanical design 

• Mechanical design experience (CAD programs such as Autodesk Inventor, Basic understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, etc.) 

• Ability to collaborate in team environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thermal design, analysis, and modeling of electro-mechanical systems
• Manufacturing experience (machining, sheet metal, additive methods, etc.) 

• Hands-on electrical experience (soldering, cable manufacturing, etc.) 

• Simulation experience in ANSYS or similar program 

• Project management tools experience (Microsoft Project, Jira, etc.)

• Student projects leadership (SAE Baja, Formula, FIRST Robotics, etc.) 

US Salary Range
 $115,000—$130,000

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.