Embedded Software Engineer

Shift5•Rosslyn, VA

18d•$120,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Shift5 is redefining the future of onboard operational technology (OT). As a fast-growing scale-up, we specialize in cutting-edge cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance for OT systems across defense, aerospace, and rail. We are a team of passionate, innovative professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment, driven by a shared mission to revolutionize how fleets operate. By unlocking and democratizing the vast potential of onboard OT data, we help our customers’ fleets run smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Ready to be part of the next frontier in transportation and critical infrastructure? Come join us. Our Values: Mission First Mindset: We exist to protect the service members who defend our nation and secure the critical systems that keep our economy moving. Relentless Innovation: We are motivated by the challenge of solving the toughest problems facing transportation and defense industries. Data Driven Decisions: We make decisions rooted in data. Giving our team and stakeholders a more informed perspective possible when lives and missions are on the line. Shift5 is seeking a full-time Embedded Software Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will drive the design, development, and implementation of real-time, high-performance embedded software systems deployed on custom Linux-based hardware platforms. You will be instrumental in building robust software solutions, enabling advanced data analytics at the edge, and collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure resilient and reliable software releases in mission-critical environments. If you're passionate about developing complex systems, optimizing software performance, and thrive in a collaborative environment with endless opportunities to take ownership and expand your skills, Shift5 might be the right fit for you.

Requirements

BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
3+ years of experience in embedded systems / low-level software development
Experience with systems programming languages: C, C++, or Rust (preferred)
Experience with scripting languages: Python, Bash, etc.
Experience with tooling to build custom embedded Linux distributions: Yocto, Buildroot
Experience with Git or similar version control, and CI/CD automation
Experience with low-level software and firmware debugging tools: GDB, JTAG

Nice To Haves

Experience with Linux kernel driver development is a plus
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

Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and maintain real-time embedded software for custom Linux-based hardware platforms
Design and implement low-level hardware interface layers: memory-mapped register access, DMA transfer, and efficient hardware/software communication protocols
Write and maintain Linux kernel drivers and userspace APIs for custom hardware, ensuring robust integration and performance
Profile, analyze, and tune embedded software for low-latency, high-throughput, high-reliability data acquisition and processing
Investigate hardware, firmware, and software issues and understand the interactions between each layer
Write comprehensive unit, functional, and integration tests
Document designs, data flows, hardware and software interfaces
Lead and participate in rigorous code review and hardware/software interface specification processes
Support bring-up and troubleshooting of new hardware platforms, including board-level debugging with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
Collaborate closely with hardware, FPGA, and data analytics teams to define requirements and deliver end-to-end solutions

Benefits

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
Employer-paid 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)

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