Technical Program Manager

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused 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

Forterra is building a world-class manufacturing, service, and supply chain organization and is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager. In this role you will prepare manufacturing capacity to produce our core hardware products at internal and external sites. You will lead and drive technical, operational, and quality issues related to specific products or projects, often involving custom PCBA, semiconductor devices, enclosures and interfaces, that are tightly integrated to Forterra's custom firmware and software. You will work to ensure high quality, high yield, and successful execution of projects by collaborating with various teams, resolving technical issues, and interfacing between sourcing, hardware development, quality, and operations. 

What you'll do

• Prepare manufacturing capacity to produce core hardware and high level assemblies
• Lead and drive manufacturing development programs. You will be responsible for the overall program success, including defining scope, developing plans, managing schedules, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results
• Cross-functional collaboration. Work with diverse teams, including engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and effective execution
• Manage risk. You will identify potential risks, develop mitigation plans, and proactively resolve issues to keep programs on track 
• Communicate project status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders at all levels, including executive management
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, methodologies, and product quality
• Work with external manufacturing partners, managing their performance and ensuring alignment with Forterra's standards

Qualifications

• Mission-First Mindset - We put the needs of the mission and our customers first and understand that the US and its allies have no preordained right to victory in any future conflict.
• Ownership Mentality - We’re looking for owners; those who have a natural bias to assume responsibility, a healthy dose of skepticism, and contribute to a culture of performance.  
• Technical Aptitude and Intellectual Curiosity - We are first and foremost a technology company, working at the leading edge of capabilities like machine learning, autonomy, distributed networking, and multi-modal sensor fusion. 
• Structured Thinker and Problem Solver - Leading technical programs requires clear communication and well-thought-out plans. A solution-driven approach, the ability to distill complexity into its essential, digestible components, and the ability to supervise execution are critical to ensure mission success.  
• 360 Degree Leader - We are a non-hierarchical organization with a matrix structure that is dynamic and evolving. We expect you to be self-aware enough to recognize your position of unstated leadership within the company. You should have a demonstrated ability to lead and influence people through both formal and informal constructs and in situations where there is lack of clarity across teams.
• Ability to communicate succinctly
• Detail orientated while at the same time not getting lost in the details
• BS in Industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or Operations Management (MBA preferred) 
• 5+ years experience new product development and introduction and internal and external manufacturing sites with a focus on preparing the materials and production facility to manufacture electrical-mechanical assemblies and cable harness
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or automotive sectors manufacturing assemblies that include PCBA, enclosures, displays, and interfaces with tightly integrated custom firmware and software
• Experience with Quality Management Systems, Product Lifecycle Management systems, Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and Manufacturing Execution Systems

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in strategic sourcing
• Certification in lean six sigma methods
• Management experience, experience building teams
• Experience working for developing companies

US Salary Range
 $110,000 - $130,000

Location

On-Site in Clarksburg, MD

Up to 25% Travel
 

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 a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, 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, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. 
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires. 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.  

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.   

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

To see Forterra’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice. 

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