# Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

**Company:** [Forterra](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/forterra)
**Location:** Clarksburg, MD, Arlington, VA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $120k – $200k/yr
**Experience:** 3+ years
**Skills:** C, Simulink, Pid Control, Rtos, Canbus, Control Theory, Vehicle Dynamics, Embedded Systems, State-Space Control, Nonlinear Control
**Posted:** 2026-05-14

> Designs and implements drive-by-wire control systems using C and Simulink for autonomous ground vehicles. Leads development from system modeling to deployment, requiring 3+ years in vehicle controls, embedded C, RTOS, and control theory (PID, state-space).

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

### Embedded Controls Development
- Design and implement vehicle control algorithms in C and Simulink for real-time embedded systems
- Develop drive-by-wire software for steering, throttle, and braking systems
- Create robust, safety-critical control loops that operate reliably in field conditions

### System Modeling & Controller Design
- Model vehicle dynamics and identify key physics parameters through testing and analysis
- Design appropriate controllers (PID, state-space, nonlinear) based on vehicle characteristics
- Use Simulink and other model-based tools to prototype and validate control strategies
- Tune controllers for optimal performance across different vehicle platforms

### Integration & Deployment
- Integrate control systems with broader autonomy software stacks
- Work with hardware teams on sensor integration and actuator interfaces
- Debug and optimize system performance through vehicle testing and data analysis

## Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience developing control systems for vehicles, robotics, aerospace, or similar motion control applications
- Hands-on experience programming in C for embedded, real-time systems
- Working knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Strong background in control theory including PID control and system modeling
- Experience with vehicle dynamics, system identification, and controller tuning
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience

## Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with model-based development tools, particularly Simulink
- Background in nonlinear control methods and advanced control theory
- Previous work on drive-by-wire systems or vehicle automation
- Experience with CANbus protocols and automotive communication standards
- Familiarity with safety-critical software development practices

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