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 Electrical Engineer to drive the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge rugged hardware for edge data collection and processing.
This role sits at the intersection of Electrical Design, Hardware Lifecycle Management, and Aerospace/Defense Compliance and will play a critical role in supporting Shift5’s next phase of growth.
This role requires technical fluency in CCA/PCB design, power electronics, FPGA integration, hands-on field validation, ownership of the hardware lifecycle, and strong collaboration across firmware and embedded systems teams.
What You’ll Do- Contribute directly to the modernization of defense and commercial fleets by delivering resilient hardware for mission-critical OT data.
- Lead and execute the full hardware development lifecycle, from component selection and schematic capture to multi-layer PCB design and layout, focusing on high-speed digital interfaces and power conversion circuitry.
- Design for harsh environments and test against military/aerospace standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-1275, DO-160).
- Collaborate with firmware & embedded software engineers to define interface specifications for standard protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe) and ensure seamless FPGA and MCU integration.
- Apply DFM/DFA/DFT principles to ensure high manufacturability, yield, and testability across production runs.
- Create and maintain production-ready BOMs, assembly documentation, and design revisions, while helping to develop automated test scripts (Python/Bash) to streamline board bring-up and verification.
- Assist with production and assembly to bridge engineering design and manufacturing.
- Travel to customer sites and field environments as needed to troubleshoot, validate hardware, and support hands-on deployment and system integration.
- Experience in schematic design and multi-layer PCB layout to military standards (3+ years; 7+ years for Senior), with a focus on power electronics/SMPS or high-speed digital board design.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize advanced test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, and current probes) for hardware verification and environmental validation.
- Strong technical skills in electrical CAD software (Altium preferred) and working knowledge of common communication interfaces including CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, USB, and PCIe.
- Familiarity with electrical design for defense/aerospace platforms, including electrical integration/harness design.
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, regulated environments involving MIL-STD-810, 461, 704, 1275, and DO-160 standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- Highly self-motivated with a strong bias for action, proactive problem-solving skills, and willingness to travel as needed.
- Security & Citizenship: US Citizenship and an active (or ability to hold/obtain) US Government Top Secret security clearance.
- Hands-on experience with electrical prototyping, assembly, integration, and rework.
- System-level electromechanical integration experience for defense/aerospace platforms, including cable harness design and electrical load analysis.
- Vendor & Supply Chain Collaboration: Experience conducting vendor surveys, evaluating component supplier changes, and working closely with supply chain and manufacturing teams.
- Experience in an AS9100 certified environment and familiarity with IPC standards.
- Mid-Level: $110,000 – $155,000
- Senior Level: $135,000 – $200,000
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)
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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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 3+ years experience with schematic design of circuit boards to military standards
- Proven experience with testing to military standards using test equipment
- Experience with FPGA board design
- Proficiency in Electrical CAD software (Altium preferred)
- Knowledge of manufacturing/production processes and AS9100/ISO9001 experience
- Familiarity with MIL, DO, and IPC standards
- Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
What We Do
Former military officers who stood up U.S. Army Cyber Command and pioneered modern weapons system cyber assessments founded Shift5 to transform untapped operational technology into actionable insights that enable peak performance and cyber resilience for America’s defense and transportation systems. Built for the field and tested in the most demanding environments, Shift5's Operational Intelligence platform equips operations, maintenance, and cybersecurity teams with the infrastructure and analytics to detect threats, anticipate failures, and respond with confidence. Today, military customers and leading transportation companies rely on Shift5 for the safety, security, and reliability of current fleets and next-generation assets.
Why Work With Us
Shift5 is building a smarter, safer and more secure world by supporting the defenders and decision-makers on the front lines of national security. Founded by veterans and members of the U.S. Army Cyber Command, Shift5 is a mission-driven organization and a workplace that enables employee flexibility, empowerment and responsibility.
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