Firmware Detections Engineer

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 looking for a Firmware (FPGA) Detection Engineer to join our growing Detection Engineering team. You'll be crucial in designing and developing firmware that unlocks critical data streams for our DoD and commercial customers. If you're low ego, thrive on new challenges, and enjoy collaborating with a driven team, Shift5 could be a great fit. 

In this role you will be expected to:

• Architect and define FPGA-based detection capabilities which identify anomalies, unexpected protocol behavior, and threatening behavior in serial buses communications.
• Integrate detection capabilities with data acquisition and transmissions capabilities.
• Design and model detection logic for avionic serial busses (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429) in Simulink, and use HDL Coder to automatically generate, verify, and implement this logic on FPGAs. 
• Manage the full model-based design lifecycle for serial bus detections: from algorithm conception and simulation to hardware implementation and in-system validation.
• Perform investigations of real-world anomalies across OT communication buses, using your protocol expertise to enhance detection algorithms.
• Work with hardware validation and software QA engineers to conduct rigorous testing, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation for FPGA designs.
• Collaborate with vulnerability researchers to translate novel exploit techniques into detectable signatures suitable for FPGA-based serial bus monitoring.
• Read technical documentation such as avionic standards, and device datasheets to inform your algorithm and model design.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across hardware, firmware, and software.
• Document your algorithms, models, and verification results for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Be ready to learn and be flexible, contributing to a wide variety of work in support of Shift5 priorities.
• Work from Shift5 HQ in Rosslyn VA, 2-3 days a week, and occasionally travel (<15%).

We're looking for someone who is/has:

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in FPGA design and testing, preferably with VHDL.
• Proficiency with model-based design using MATLAB, Simulink, and HDL Coder for targeting FPGAs.
• Experience with serial bus protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, Ethernet, CANBUS/J1939, ASCB)
• Experience integrating HDL Coder outputs with FPGA development toolchains for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure.
• Strong understanding of VHDL/Verilog for integration and debugging purposes.
• Knowledge of AXI4 and AXI4-Stream protocols.
• Experience with scripting languages (TCL, Bash, Python, etc.).
• Experience designing HDL simulations (ModelSim, GHDL, or similar).
• Experience with embedded software development (C, C++, Rust, or similar).
• Comfortable debugging firmware, software, and hardware issues.
• Proficient with the Linux command line environment.
• Experience with Git or similar version control, and CI/CD automations.
• Experience with protocol analysis tools and oscilloscopes for validating serial bus communications (e.g., protocol analyzers, digital storage oscilloscopes with serial decode capabilities)
• A solid grasp of cybersecurity concepts as they apply to embedded and RF systems.
• A US Government Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with formal FPGA design verification is a plus.
• Experience with Linux kernel driver development is a plus.
• Experience with inline IPS firmware development experience.
• Familiarity with System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures and interfacing FPGA logic with embedded processors.
• Protocol or firmware reverse engineering experience.

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Base Salary: $100,000-$175,000
• 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
• 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)  

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.