About Forterra

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.

Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the role

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role designed for fast-moving startup environments. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and be trusted with a wide range of responsibilities, from small operational tasks to high-impact strategic support. No task is too small or too big - the goal is to do whatever is needed to keep the team moving forward.

You’ll help cut through noise, identify what matters, and support execution across priorities. This role requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed. You’ll be working alongside experienced operators and expected to learn quickly by doing.

You may not have years of experience yet, but you bring curiosity, humility, and a strong work ethic. You’re comfortable operating in ambiguity, taking initiative, and figuring things out as you go.

This is not a traditional entry-level role. It’s fast-paced, demanding, and highly immersive - an opportunity to gain exposure, build trust, and accelerate your learning early in your career. If you want to move the needle, learn at warp speed, and be trusted with real responsibility early in your career, this is the role.

What you'll do

• Support prioritization: Help organize work and keep efforts aligned to leadership priorities by tracking tasks, timelines, and deliverables

• Drive follow-through: Ensure key initiatives keep moving by coordinating across teams, following up on action items, and closing gaps

• Enable team alignment: Help keep teams on the same page by sharing information, capturing updates, and ensuring context is communicated clearly

• Prepare materials: Build decks, briefings, and other outputs to support meetings, decisions, and external engagements

• Handle operational needs: Jump in wherever needed, from day-to-day logistics to ad hoc projects that keep the team running smoothly

• Learn and adapt quickly: Take ownership of tasks big and small, operate in ambiguity, and build trust through reliability and strong execution

Minimum Qualifications

• Based in the Washington, DC area

• 1-3 years of experience

• Comfortable living in chaos and ambiguity

• Super organized, but not rigid

• High EQ, know how to get things done without formal authority

• Humble, proactive, resourceful

• Don't want a cushy 9-to-5. You want a shot at big responsibility and a front-row seat to how startups get built

• See this as a mentorship opportunity and a launchpad, not just a paycheck

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a startup or fast-paced environment

• Master’s degree

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.