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Firmware Engineer

Shift5 is the observability platform for onboard operational technology (OT). We’re a rapidly growing scale-up that specializes in cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance for operational technology (OT) systems across defense, aerospace, and rail. We are a collaborative, passionate, and driven cadre of dynamic, multidisciplinary experts and we’re focused on helping our customer’s fleets run smarter and safer by accessing and democratizing the volumes of onboard OT data generated by transportation and freight fleets, and defense fleets and weapon systems. Come join us. 

Our Values :

  • Embrace Truth and Integrity: Base decisions on data, foster open dialogue, and uphold unwavering integrity.
  • User-Centric Focus: Prioritize user needs to guide our actions and resource allocation.
  • Collaborative & Adaptable: Collaborate for excellence, learning from failures and driving iterative improvements, recognizing every decision's significance.

Shift5 is seeking a Firmware Engineer to join our growing team in our Rosslyn, VA Headquarters. As a firmware engineer, you will be a vital member of our Product Engineering team, and will be responsible for creating the firmware for our products. You’ll be expected to support our products’ design, development, and production and answer the needs of DoD and commercial customers by unlocking access to new and hidden data streams. Excellent candidates will be able to manage their own work, deliver, and keep an eye on what is needed to make Shift5 successful. If you’re the kind of person who loves learning about new topics, exploring outside of your comfort zone, painting from blank canvas, and working with like-minded individuals, Shift5 might be the right fit for you.

Responsibilities :

  • Handle system-level testing, integration, and troubleshooting
  • Investigate hardware, firmware, and software issues and understand the interactions between each layer
  • Develop software tools to facilitate the build and testing of FPGA firmware, Linux drivers, and software applications
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop test and automation in the hardware integration lab
  • Document designs, data flows, hardware and software interfaces
  • Understand serial protocols (like MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, UART, CAN) through all layers, from the physical layer to the application layer
  • Participate in design/code reviews and provide criticism and new ideas during hardware design reviews, system design reviews, and code reviews

Skills and Experience :

  • Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in embedded systems / low-level software development
  • Experience with scripting languages: Python, Bash, etc.
  • Experience with Linux development environment and system configuration
  • Experience with embedded software development: C, C++, or similar
  • Experience with Git or similar version control, and CI/CD automation
  • Comfortable debugging firmware, software, and hardware problems
  • Experience with RTL design and simulation (preferably VHDL) is a plus
  • Experience with FPGA IDEs (Libero, Vivado, Quartus, or similar) and TCL is a plus
  • Familiarity with oscilloscopes and FPGA internal logic analyzers is a plus
  • Familiarity with CAN, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, and other serial protocols is a plus
  • Familiarity with DSP techniques and real-time implementation is a plus

Compensation & Benefits: 

  • Base Salary: $125,000-155,000
  • Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
  • Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
  • 401k with employer contributions
  • Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance 
  • Uncapped paid time off policy
  • Flexible work policy
  • Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA) 

We are committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging that embraces the diversity of our people and represents the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We know the happiest and highest performing teams include people with diverse perspectives and ways of solving problems. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.  

Shift5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class. 

 

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