# Forward Deployed Engineer

**Company:** [Forterra](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/forterra)
**Location:** Clarksburg, MD, Arlington, VA, Carey, ID
**Role:** Solutions Architecture
**Salary:** $120k – $150k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Linux, TCP/IP, DNS, Routing, Firewalls, Vpns, C++, Python, Log Analysis, Debugging, Software Design, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Data Structures, Robotics
**Posted:** 2026-03-20

> Provides hands-on customer and field support for integrated autonomous hardware and software systems, including deployment, networking, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis. Requires 5+ years of experience, a bachelor's degree, strong Linux and programming skills, and up to 75% travel.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Monitor customer system performance and identify issues across hardware and software components.
- Provide on-site and remote support to diagnose and resolve complex system issues.
- Serve as a primary technical escalation point for software- and networking-related issues.
- Perform log analysis, system health checks, and root-cause investigations.
- Support system installations, upgrades, patches, configuration changes, and software updates in field environments.
- Troubleshoot IP networking, routing, firewalls, VPNs, and system integrations.
- Work with engineering teams to debug software defects encountered in the field.
- Support command-line operations, scripting, and system configuration in Linux environments.
- Maintain service records and generate field reports and work orders.
- Communicate service bulletins, product updates, and technical information to stakeholders.
- Build customer relationships and advise on system operation, maintenance, and performance optimization.
- Travel regularly to customer sites, including extended deployments in operational field environments and possible active combat zones.

## Requirements
- 5 or more years of relevant experience.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, robotics, or a related field.
- Proficiency with Linux systems, command-line operations, system logs, and basic administration.
- Understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Strong software troubleshooting, log analysis, and debugging skills.
- Experience diagnosing complex systems involving hardware and software.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
- Strong documentation and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently in dynamic, customer-facing environments.
- Experience integrating software on hardware products.
- Strong programming skills in C++ or Python.
- Software engineering skills including software design, unit testing, and debugging.
- Understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles.
- Ability to travel up to 75%, including internationally.
- May require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

## Nice-to-haves
- Familiarity with autonomous systems, robotics, or distributed systems.
- Experience working closely with engineering teams to resolve field issues.
- Experience developing software for robotics and autonomous systems.
- Experience with state machines, motion, path planning, or perception pipelines.
- Knowledge of navigation, localization, or mapping algorithms.
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming.

## Compensation and benefits
- US salary range: $120,000–$150,000.
- Equity is included in most full-time, high-demand roles.
- Premium healthcare benefits, with the company covering 80% of plan premiums for employees and dependents.
- Company-paid basic life/AD&D and short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Company holidays, including a December winter break.
- 20 days of accrued paid time off per year.
- At least 7 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
- $9,000 annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
- 401(k) plan with company match up to 4%.

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