# Electrical Engineer - Vehicle Systems

**Company:** [Forterra](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/forterra)
**Location:** Clarksburg, MD
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $120K-$170K
**Experience:** 3+ years
**Skills:** Can Bus, J1939, Obd-Ii, Wire Harnesses, Power Distribution, 12V/24V Systems, Electrical Schematics, Multimeters, Oscilloscopes, Can Analyzers, Drive-By-Wire, Actuator Control, Emi/Emc, Pcb Design, Kicad Altium
**Posted:** 2026-04-14

> Designs and builds electrical systems for converting conventional vehicles to autonomous platforms, focusing on drive-by-wire integration, CAN bus networks, and power distribution. Requires 3+ years experience, hands-on harness building, CAN proficiency, and bachelor's in EE or equivalent.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

### Drive-by-Wire Electrical Integration
- Design and build vehicle interface wire harnesses that power actuators for steering, throttle, braking, and transmission control
- Develop I/O intercept systems that interface between Forterra's autonomy hardware and the existing vehicle electrical architecture
- Route, terminate, and validate harness assemblies on vehicle platforms, ensuring reliable operation under vibration, temperature extremes, and field conditions
- Create and maintain wiring diagrams, pinout documentation, and harness build specifications

### CAN Bus & Vehicle Communications
- Integrate CAN bus networks to distribute commands between Forterra's compute systems and vehicle actuators
- Decode, monitor, and troubleshoot CAN traffic to validate command and feedback paths
- Interface with OEM vehicle CAN networks, identifying and mapping signals required for autonomous control

### Power Systems & Distribution
- Design power distribution systems that supply Forterra's compute, sensor, and actuator hardware from vehicle electrical systems
- Specify fusing, relay logic, and voltage regulation for added electrical loads without degrading vehicle reliability
- Troubleshoot power quality issues including ground loops, voltage drops, and EMI from actuator switching

### Vehicle Integration & Testing
- Support hands-on integration of electrical systems on vehicle platforms in the Clarksburg shop
- Develop and execute test procedures for harness continuity, insulation resistance, CAN communication, and actuator response
- Diagnose and resolve electrical issues during vehicle integration and initial drive testing
- Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to ensure electrical designs meet packaging, thermal, and functional requirements

## Minimum Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in electrical engineering, vehicle electrical systems, or electromechanical integration
- Hands-on experience designing and building wire harnesses for vehicles, mobile equipment, or ruggedized systems
- Working knowledge of CAN bus protocols (J1939, OBD-II, or proprietary CAN) including message decoding and network troubleshooting
- Experience with power distribution design for 12V/24V vehicle electrical systems
- Proficiency with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and standard EE tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes, CAN analyzers)
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on experience

## Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with drive-by-wire systems, actuator control, or by-wire conversion of conventional vehicles
- Familiarity with automotive ECUs, vehicle gateway modules, and OEM diagnostic tools
- Experience with EMI/EMC considerations for vehicle electrical systems
- PCB design experience (KiCad, Altium, or similar) for interface boards or breakout boards
- DoD, military, or defense industry experience
- Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher)
- Experience working in rapid-prototype or hardware startup environments

## Compensation
**US Salary Range**: $120,000—$170,000 (base salary, plus equity and competitive benefits including premium healthcare, PTO, parental leave, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement)

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