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

The Forterra Quality Department is seeking a dynamic individual to fill our open role of APQP Program Quality Engineer. In this exciting role the APQP Program Quality Engineer will be responsible for leading and coordinating Advanced Product Quality Planning activities across new product launches and engineering changes. Working closely with cross-functional teams including Design, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality, this role ensures that all customer quality requirements are identified and met prior to the start of production. The APQP Program Quality Engineer serves as the primary liaison between the customer and internal teams throughout the product development cycle. 

What you'll do

• Lead and facilitate APQP teams through all five phases of the APQP process in accordance with AIAG standards as applicable to the program 

• Develop, maintain, and track APQP timing plans to ensure all milestones and customer gate reviews are met 

• Support cross-functional team activities including kickoff meetings, design reviews, and launch readiness reviews 

• Support the contract review process. 

• Monitor program status and escalate risks or timing concerns proactively to program leadership 

• Prepare, compile, and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) packages to customer level requirements (Level 1–5). This may also include internal PPAP submissions 

• Develop and maintain key APQP deliverables as required: Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Measurement System Analyses (MSA) 

• Ensure dimensional reports, material certifications, etc. are completed accurately and on time 

• Maintain all quality records in compliance with ISO9001:2015 and customer-specific requirements 

• Support inspections and the non-conformance management process 

• Support in review and/or generation of AS9102 Documentation as required 

• Participate in the PRB/MRB meeting and support documentation of customer returns 

• Support DFMEA and PFMEA development and review sessions with engineering and manufacturing teams 

• Identify, document, and drive closure of open issues through disciplined corrective action processes 

• Manage and update risk logs throughout the product development lifecycle 

• Serve as the primary customer quality contact for all APQP and launch-related activities 

• Participate in customer product development meetings and respond to customer quality concerns during the pre-production phase 

• Support supplier quality activities including supplier APQP reviews and sub-tier PPAP approvals where applicable 

• Capture and share lessons learned across programs to improve future launch effectiveness 

• Support process improvement initiatives related to the APQP and PPAP systems 

• Contribute to internal audits and management review activities as needed 

• Support process development and continuous improvement. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline 

• 5-8 years of experience in APQP, PPAP, or product launch engineering in an automotive or manufacturing environment 

• Proficiency with inspection principles and work instructions 

• Proficiency with core AIAG tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, and SPC 

• Solid understanding of ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements 

• Experience with electronic components (Cables and PCBs) 

• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications 

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously 

• Familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 requirements 

• Auditing experience (Product/Process) 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt certification 
• Certified Quality Auditor
• Experience with customer portals and submission systems 
• Experience with Supplier Quality Management 

US Salary Range
 $110,000 - $150,000

Location

On-Site in Clarksburg, MD

Up to 25% travel required

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.