Corporate Development Associate at Forterra in Clarksburg, Maryland

Job Description:

About ForterraForterra 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.

WHO WE ARE

Forterra is on a mission to transform the future of mobility, delivering autonomous vehicle solutions that empower U.S. and allied defense forces to tackle the most demanding operational challenges. We bring together cutting-edge AI, sensor fusion, and autonomous driving technologies to develop robust, reliable, and secure platforms for our customers—enhancing their capabilities, reducing risk to personnel, and accelerating mission success. If you're drawn to groundbreaking tech with real-world impact, Forterra is where you'll want to be.

THE TEAM

Our Corporate Development team leads some of the most exciting work in the defense and autonomy sectors. From identifying strategic acquisitions in robotics and AI, to forging powerful alliances with top-tier companies, we serve as the driving force behind Forterra's long-term growth and market positioning. We're the ones looking around the corner, finding new ways to expand capabilities, enter new markets, and maximize value for the company and our partners.

THE ROLE

As a Corporate Development Associate, you'll play a pivotal role in strategic market analysis, deal sourcing, negotiations, and integration of acquisitions and partnerships. You'll dive deep into financial modeling, competitor landscapes, and evolving industry trends—ensuring Forterra is always making sound, data-driven decisions. Whether you're building a valuation model for a next-gen sensor startup or finalizing a memo for the executive team on a new market opportunity, you'll be at the forefront of shaping Forterra's future.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Market Research & Strategy

Scope new market segments—especially in autonomy, defense, and government contracting—to identify potential gaps Forterra can fill through acquisitions or partnerships.Monitor emerging technologies, AI breakthroughs, and key policy changes within the defense tech domain to inform leadership's strategy.

M&A Pipeline & Execution

Research, analyze, and prioritize potential targets, developing robust strategic theses and valuation models.Lead or support due diligence efforts, coordinate cross-functional reviews, and propose deal structures that align with Forterra's financial and strategic goals.Work side by side with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to steer deal negotiations through closing.

Financial Modeling & Analysis

Build detailed and dynamic valuation models, capturing various scenarios—from synergy opportunities to regulatory hurdles.Pull M&A comps, track public companies, and review historical deals to assess market benchmarks.Present insights to the executive team, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative arguments.

Partnerships & Alliances

Identify and cultivate relationships with startups, mid-size defense tech firms, and large OEMs to create joint opportunities for Forterra.Negotiate win-win collaborations that leverage Forterra's autonomy solutions while expanding our ecosystem of offerings.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with engineering, product, operations, and government relations teams to ensure that all deals fit Forterra's broader mission.Draft memos, presentations, and communications for C-level and Board discussions, distilling complex analyses into clear, concise recommendations.

WHAT YOU BRING

Experience & Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.2+ years in investment banking, corporate development, management consulting, private equity, or another environment where M&A is a core function.Familiarity or experience with defense or autonomous systems sectors highly preferred.

Skills & Mindset

Financial Firepower: You're a whiz at building models and interpreting market data, with the ability to quickly pivot between deep dives and high-level summaries.Strategic Thinker: You naturally see the big picture, spotting the “why” behind every opportunity and translating it into measurable ROI.Hustle & Drive: You're self-motivated, proactive, and eager to own projects from start to finish—no matter how ambiguous or complex.Clear Communicator: You can draft crisp memos, presentations, and data visualizations that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences.Team Player: Whether you're hashing out details with legal counsel or brainstorming with an engineering lead, you thrive in a highly collaborative environment.

Additional Requirements

Willingness to travel up to 25–40% for on-site diligence, partnership meetings, and industry events.U.S. Person status for handling export-controlled data; ability to obtain a security clearance is a bonus (but not strictly required).

WHY FORTERRA?

High-Impact Tech: Develop and deploy groundbreaking autonomous solutions with real-world applications in national security and defense.Growth & Development: Join a fast-scaling company with opportunities to expand your skill set and assume new responsibilities.Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a market-leading salary, potential bonuses, and equity packages, plus a robust benefits suite (healthcare, retirement, PTO, and more).Mission-Driven Culture: Contribute to technologies that help protect and serve communities on a global scale, working with a passionate, diverse team.

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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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