Head of Mission Modules at Forterra in Clarksburg, Maryland

Job Description:

About Forterra

Forterra 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.

About the role

• We're looking for a strategic, product-minded leader to serve as our Head of Mission Modules — responsible for developing and integrating advanced payloads into our autonomous vehicle platform. This person will lead the creation of a new team, shape product strategy, and deliver high-impact capabilities like Counter-UAS, reconnaissance, mine clearing, and sea denial systems. You'll play a critical role in defining system architecture, ensuring seamless integration with our core autonomy stack, and driving customer value through scalable, cost-effective mission solutions.

What you"ll do

• Build, lead, and mentor a world-class team focused on mission payload development and integration.
• Develop and execute a strategic product vision that aligns payload capabilities with evolving customer needs.
• Architect modular, scalable systems that leverage shared subsystems like power, compute, communications, and sensors from the Autonomous Driving System.
• Identify and deliver on opportunities for vertical integration to drive down costs and increase capability.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams—including autonomy, platform, operations, and business development—to ensure mission modules deliver operational impact.
• Serve as a customer advocate by deeply understanding use cases across domains (land, sea, air) and incorporating them into system design.
• Lead internal R&D efforts or external partnerships to expand mission capability offerings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build and scale high-performing technical or product teams.
• Strong product intuition with a clear focus on customer value and mission success.
• Deep experience with payload development, systems integration, or mission systems in multi-domain environments.
• A track record of architecting modular systems and managing complex technical programs.
• Proven success leading interdisciplinary teams from concept through delivery.
• Strong technical understanding of how to integrate sensors, communications, power, and compute into a common platform.
• Ability to reduce costs through smart use of shared infrastructure and vertical integration.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to align stakeholders across engineering, operations, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering mission payloads for DoD or allied military customers.
• Prior leadership in defense-adjacent industries, advanced robotics, or autonomy startups.
• Hands-on experience with Counter-UAS, reconnaissance, mine clearing, sea denial technology, AAVs, or similar payload technology.
• A degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline.
• Passion for delivering real-world impact through autonomy and mission-driven design.

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in autonomous systems, robotics, defense technology, or a related field.
• Bachelor"s degree or higher.

US Salary Range
$200,000—$300,000

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.

The pay range for this role is:
200,000 - 300,000 USD per year(ARC)



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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