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

Forterra is a leader in autonomous systems for ground-based operations, developing technology that protects front-line soldiers and empowers civilian workers in critical industries. As the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, Forterra develops advanced platforms that bring reliability and intelligence to the edge. We’re now expanding that mission through Vektor — a next-generation, edge-deployed, software-defined communication and smart data-brokering layer designed for operations in disrupted, degraded, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments. Joining the Vektor team means helping shape how humans and autonomous systems stay connected when it matters most.

What you'll do

• Design, develop, and optimize C++ and Python components supporting critical middleware, configuration management, data logging, and diagnostic subsystems in distributed robotic platforms.

• Translate high-level concepts and system requirements into reliable, maintainable software implementations.

• Analyze and validate software for safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, and system security across complex, mission-critical systems.

• Debug and triage real-world communication and networking challenges from deployed autonomous ground systems.

• Collaborate in design reviews and code discussions, mentoring teammates and driving best practices for modern C++ and Python development.

• Implement and maintain robust unit, integration, and system-level tests to ensure stability and performance.

• Profile, troubleshoot, and optimize software performance across multiple hardware and networked subsystems.

• Contribute to the evolution of our middleware architecture, shaping how autonomous platforms communicate, share data, and operate in constrained environments.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join Vektor, Forterra’s team developing advanced communication and data systems for autonomous ground operations. You’ll design and build high performance software in C++ and Python, creating the middleware and infrastructure that enable distributed robotic systems to operate reliably in complex, real-world environments.

We’re seeking engineers who thrive on solving challenging systems problems, have a deep understanding of performance and reliability, and want to help define the next generation of resilient, software-defined communications at the edge.

• 5 Years of experience developing in Linux-based environments

• Hands-on experience with middleware frameworks and communication protocols (e.g., ROS, DDS, Protobuf, gRPC)

• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code

• Strong understanding of multi-threaded programming, concurrency, and performance optimization

• Proven ability to design scalable systems and develop clean, intuitive APIs

• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the challenges of wireless, wired, cloud, and satellite communications

• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals — TCP/IP stack, TCP, UDP, IPv4, routing, and firewall tools (e.g., iptables)

• Experience with distributed systems

US Salary Range
$165,000 - $185,000

Location

Hybrid in Palo Alto, CA

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.