Mechanical Engineer - Mission Modules bei Forterra Careers

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.