> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4587504-lead-autonomy-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4587504-lead-autonomy-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Autonomy Software Engineer - **Company:** Robotic Research LLC - **Location:** Arlington, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $250,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Clean Code Principles, Java (Programming Language), Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Debugging, Python (Programming Language), Motion Planning, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Safety Critical Systems, State Machines, Solid Principles, Information Technology, Enterprise Integration - **Published:** November 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/lead-autonomy-software-engineer-arlington-va--9a6aac37-c37e-4137-8ff7-ba7af40ef5a4 ## About the Role Software Engineering, Ecosystems, Risk, System Operations, Network Integration, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Software Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Software Development, * 3 or more years of relevant experience * B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field or relevant experience/show of skill * Experience in integrating software on hardware products * Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Java * Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging * Ability to consistently deliver production-quality software in a continuously integrated environment * Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles * Demonstrates clean, maintainable code and documentation practices * Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems Preferred Qualifications * Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems * Experience with safety-critical systems (e.g., MIL-STD-882, ISO-26262, DO-178) * Experience with ROS2 * Experience with state machines and motion / path planning * Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception * Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming * Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams ## Description Forterra is seeking a senior software engineer with a passion for autonomous systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. You will directly support real-world missions across our fleet of ground vehicles operated by our national security customers around the world. The ideal candidate has a strong software development background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems. What you'll do * Bring autonomy into real operations: Integrate and deploy our autonomy stack on customer-bound hardware platforms and validate it in real-world conditions. * Build with users and stakeholders: Work across the organization and directly with end-users to deliver new behaviors, payload integrations, and emerging mission use-cases. * Optimize the full system: Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior-how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact-and drive overall performance improvements. * Close the loop from test to deploy: Analyze test results, identify issues and root causes, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive problems to resolution * Improve the core autonomy stack: Detect performance shortfalls, shape solution approaches, and implement enhancements in partnership with cross-functional teams. * Connect product needs to R&D execution: Partner across business development and engineering teams to translate customer requirements into delivered autonomy capabilities. * Travel: Travel ranging from 10-25% and 25-50% depending on candidate preference and role placement. Ability to commute to Arlington, VA as needed.