Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and implement vehicle control algorithms in C and Simulink for real-time embedded systems
• Develop drive-by-wire software for steering, throttle, and braking systems
• Model vehicle dynamics and identify key physics parameters through testing and analysis
• Design controllers such as PID, state-space, and nonlinear based on vehicle characteristics
• Integrate control systems with broader autonomy software stacks
• Debug and optimize system performance through vehicle testing and data analysis

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in control systems for vehicles, robotics, or aerospace
• Hands-on experience programming in C for embedded, real-time systems
• Working knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Strong background in control theory including PID control and system modeling
• Experience with vehicle dynamics, system identification, and controller tuning
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
• U.S. citizenship eligibility for security clearance
• Ability to work on ITAR-controlled and CUI projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with model-based development tools, particularly Simulink
• Background in nonlinear control methods and advanced control theory
• Previous work on drive-by-wire systems or vehicle automation
• Experience with CANbus protocols and automotive communication standards
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development practices
• Active security clearance

Benefits

• Premium Healthcare Benefits with 80% premium coverage
• Basic Life/AD&D and disability insurance covered by Forterra
• Generous company holiday calendar including winter break
• 20 days of accrued PTO per year
• Minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave
• $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%

About the Company

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. We design foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision in modern conflict environments.