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Forterra

Perception Engineer (C++)

Forterra, Arlington, Virginia, United States, 22201

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Overview

About Forterra Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst the earliest innovators in driverless technology, Forterra focuses 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 are seeking talented and motivated Perception Engineers to join our growing autonomy team. In this role, you will contribute across the perception software stack, integrating and maintaining scalable, maintainable C++ and Python code. You will also own and improve our CI/CD pipelines and support the deployment and testing of perception systems on both simulated and real vehicles. This is an ideal role for engineers who enjoy bridging software development with hands-on testing in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Build the algorithms and software that turn LiDAR, RADAR, Camera, Infrared, and other sensor modalities into actionable information about the environment. Develop and maintain robust C++ and Python software across the perception stack. Support the integration and testing of perception systems on autonomous vehicles, including travel to company, government, and partner test sites. Design, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines for the perception team, with a focus on reliable and robust delivery. Collaborate cross-functionally with other autonomy and systems engineering teams including navigation, behavior generation, data and ML Ops, and hardware. Prototype and automate development workflows using Python and Bash. Contribute to improving code quality, system reliability, and deployment efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

Mission-first mindset – prioritizing the needs of the mission and our customers. Ownership mentality – a natural bias to take responsibility and contribute to a culture of performance. Technical aptitude and intellectual curiosity – experience with machine learning, autonomy, distributed networking, and multimodal sensor fusion. Structured thinker and problem solver – ability to distill complexity into essential, actionable components and execute effectively. Optimism – focus on possible paths to success and collaborative problem solving.

What We Need

BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or 4+ years of relevant professional experience. Minimum 2 years of experience in C++ and Python development. Strong proficiency in C++ and Linux OS, with familiarity in object-oriented design patterns. Hands-on experience with CI/CD tools and pipelines. Familiarity with Docker, Git, or other modern development tools. Proficiency in scripting and automation with Python and Bash.

What We Love to See

Experience with autonomy sensors such as EO/IR cameras, LiDAR, and RADAR. Hands-on robotics or autonomous vehicles experience in academic or industry settings. Familiarity with TensorRT and other deep learning GPU acceleration frameworks. Experience with ROS2 (Robot Operating System) or native DDS development.

Compensation and Benefits

US Salary Range $100,000-$200,000 USD 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 experience, education, training, and other factors. Equity is included in most full-time roles and is part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. 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), with option to purchase additional life insurance. Generous holiday calendar including a winter break in December. Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year. Minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend. Fully stocked beverage options. 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match up to 4%. Your recruiter will share more information about salary and benefits during the hiring process.

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterra supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.

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