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Senior Systems Engineer

Rosslyn, VA

About Shift5

Shift5 is building the data platform for onboard operational technology (OT). We deliver cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance capabilities that enable defense and commercial fleets to operate with greater readiness, resilience, and mission assurance.

We are seeking a mission-aligned Systems Engineer to serve as the critical bridge between our core engineering teams and real-world tactical deployments.

This role sits at the intersection of Platform Integration, Requirements Management, and Technical Execution and will play a critical role in supporting Shift5’s next phase of growth.

This is not a purely theoretical engineering role. It requires technical fluency in hardware/software integration, ownership of formal government artifacts (CDRLs/SDRLs), and the executive presence to serve as a primary technical interface for DoD customers and certification authorities.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead and execute the integration of Shift5 hardware into complex customer platforms, including cabling design and A-kit development.

  • Own the system-level technical baseline across assigned programs, ensuring all hardware and software meet rigorous compliance standards.

  • Partner closely with hardware, software, cyber, and integration teams to coordinate cross-discipline technical execution.

  • Drive measurable impact in program success by developing and managing formal systems engineering artifacts, such as V&V Plans and System Architecture documents.

  • Identify and act on opportunities to improve technical risk management and dependency tracking across the product lifecycle.

  • Navigate the complexities of government acquisition, supporting formal technical reviews like SRRs, PDRs, and CDRs.

  • Contribute directly to mission assurance by performing system-level analyses, including Weight & Balance, Electrical Loads, and FMECA.

What Success Looks Like

  • Establish a strong technical foundation by mastering the Shift5 architecture and integrating with key stakeholders across the engineering organization.

  • Build organizational credibility by taking ownership of technical baseline documents and contributing to the design of platform-specific integration kits.

  • Drive high-quality technical delivery by leading the development and internal review of formal CDRL artifacts for government programs.

  • Improve system reliability and compliance by defining robust verification strategies and overseeing system-level testing to ensure airworthiness and safety standards are met.

  • Serve as a trusted technical authority for system-level decisions, independently managing requirements and providing clear technical positions to customer PMOs.

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience in systems, integration, or mechanical engineering (3+ years), ideally within the aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics sectors.

  • Demonstrated ability to interpret system schematics, generate detailed harness drawings, and manage requirements (SRDs, SRSs, ICDs).

  • Strong analytical and technical skills in configuration management, system-level analysis (FMECA, ELA), and CAD tools like SolidWorks.

  • Comfort operating in DoD environments and familiarity with environmental qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810, 461, and 704.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • Requirements: Ability to travel up to 25% to support customer site integrations and testing.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: $141,374 – $160,150

  • Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup

  • Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions

  • Life and Disability Insurance

  • Uncapped paid time off policy

  • Flexible work & remote work policy

  • Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Shift5 is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

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