Senior Software Engineer

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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 :

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.