Embedded Software Test 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:

• Embrace Truth and Integrity: Base decisions on data, foster open dialogue, and uphold unwavering integrity.
• User-Centric Focus: Prioritize user needs to guide our actions and resource allocation.
• Collaborative & Adaptable: Collaborate for excellence, learning from failures and driving iterative improvements, recognizing every decision's significance.

Shift5 is seeking a full-time Embedded Software Test Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will drive the integration, validation, and quality assurance of real-time, high-performance embedded software systems deployed on custom Linux-based hardware platforms. You will be instrumental in building robust automated test and deployment pipelines, performing hands-on exploratory testing, and collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure resilient and reliable software releases in mission-critical environments.

If you're passionate about testing complex systems, optimizing test processes through automation, and thrive in a collaborative environment with endless opportunities to take ownership and expand your skills, Shift5 might be the right fit for you.

In this role you will be expected to:

• Integrate and test embedded software across diverse Linux-based custom hardware platforms
• Author and maintain test plans including functional, integration, and full system test cases
• Develop custom test tools and harnesses that control and interact with hardware
• Build and maintain automated deployment, monitoring, and test pipelines for production-like environments simulating operational use
• Conduct manual exploratory testing to uncover vulnerabilities, bugs, and edge cases in complex systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to validate software releases
• Work closely with other test engineers covering different areas of Shift5’s software stack
• Support full software lifecycle integration, including environment setup, test execution, regression analysis, and root cause identification
• Interface software components with FPGAs and sensor hardware for system-level validation
• Contribute to the evolution of CI/CD infrastructure, enabling automated test, build, and deployment processes
• Perform profiling, debugging, and system monitoring using tools such as perf

Required:

• BS or MS in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics
• 5+ years of experience in software integration and/or testing, preferably for embedded or real-time systems
• Proficiency in C, C++, or Rust software development
• Proficiency with scripting languages, such as Python
• Proficiency with Linux systems and development tools
• Experience with network performance analysis and system health monitoring
• Ability to set up and configure test environments consisting of both hardware and software components
• Experience working with software teams, demonstrating advanced skill in automated and manual testing
• US Citizenship

Preferred:

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with software development in Rust
• Prior experience building out QA processes in a startup environment
• Prior experience with Jira test management plugins such as Zephyr, TestRail, etc
• Prior experience with advanced profiling tools such as VTune, eBPF
• Prior experience with serial bus technology: CANbus, MIL-STD-1553, SAE J1939, ASCB, ARINC 429, Ethernet
• Prior experience with FPGA and custom x86 hardware platforms
• Prior experience with lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, and digital multimeters
• Active (or ability to hold/obtain a) US Government Top Secret security clearance

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Base Salary: $125,000-$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.