FPGA 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) Engineer to join our growing Product 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. 

What You'll Do: 

• Architect and define FPGA-based data acquisition and transmission systems.
• Design and implement HDL modules, including developing testbenches for verification.
• Develop robust hardware-software interface layers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across hardware, firmware, and software.
• Clearly document architectures, data flows, and interface specifications.
• Understand and work with serial protocols (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, UART, CAN) from physical to application layers.
• Contribute to hardware, system, and code design reviews, offering critical feedback and innovative solutions.

What We're Looking For:

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in FPGA design and testing, preferably with VHDL.
• 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++, 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 formal FPGA design verification is a plus.
• Experience with Linux kernel driver development is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Base Salary: $125,000-$200,000
• 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.