4 Sep 2025

Full-Time Mechanical Engineer, Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo,

Forterra… – Posted by Roland DIBOAnywhere

Job Description

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 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:

Benefits:

  • 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.

Location:

  • Clarksburg, MD  / On-site

Type:

  • Full-Time

 

Consider SolidWorks Training for consideration for this position

SOLIDWORKS Training Courses

How to Apply

https://www.forterra.com/careers

Job Categories: Creo, Inventor, Mechanical Engineer, and Solidworks. Job Types: Full-Time. Salary: 100,000 and above. Job expires in 41 days.

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