Shift5 · 19 hours ago
Senior Software Engineer
Arlington, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$182K/yr - $232K/yrShift5 is redefining the future of onboard operational technology (OT) with a focus on cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance. The Senior Software Engineer will develop high-performance Rust software for real-time data processing on resource-constrained Linux systems, tackling complex technical challenges in a collaborative environment.
Cyber SecurityHardwareSoftwareTransportation
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop and optimize high-performance Rust software for real-time data processing on custom, resource-constrained Linux systems
Design and implement type-safe hardware abstractions, managing complex build dependencies and FFI boundaries with memory safety
Build and maintain code generation pipelines for protocol specifications and translation tables into strongly-typed Rust structures
Implement robust and efficient parsers for complex wire protocols, working at the bit level for accurate data models
Optimize software for specific hardware capabilities using deep Linux systems knowledge, profiling, and metrics
Design and implement concurrent data pipelines with message-passing architectures and lock-free data structures
Investigate and debug complex issues across hardware, protocol specifications, FFI, and concurrent timing
Write comprehensive unit, functional, and integration tests for protocol parsing, data processing, and hardware integration
Document designs, data flows, architectural decisions, and safety-critical code patterns
Integrate with existing C-based APIs and libraries using Rust's FFI, including CMake, autotools, and bindgen
Evolve and maintain core processing software for long-term stability, performance, and adaptability
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including hardware and API/UI engineers, forward deployed engineers embedded with customers, security researchers, data engineering and analytics, and product and program managers
Qualification
Required
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
Prior work on a shipped, commercial Rust project in production
Deep knowledge of Linux systems programming, including kernel interaction, hardware optimization, and system-level debugging
Proficiency with Git and modern CI/CD practices
Strong communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder communication
Ability to identify and advocate for architectural improvements and shape technical direction
Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of complex technical challenges
Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms for high-performance, real-time systems
Preferred
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret or higher)
Previous experience with military customers or classified data environments
Experience writing software certified under regulatory requirements (DO-178, IEC 62304, or similar)
A forward and reverse engineering mindset for undocumented or complex data protocols
Familiarity with vehicle, aerospace, or industrial data protocols (e.g., CAN, J1939, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429)
Experience with lock-free data structures or real-time systems programming
Background in code generation, metaprogramming, or build-time code generation systems, with an understanding of their appropriate application and potential complexities
Experience designing data processing pipelines with streaming, batching, and backpressure management
Experience with containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) for consistent build and test environments
Experience developing and servicing software in sensitive environments
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)
Company
Shift5
Shift5 is a cybersecurity company that provides hardware and software solutions to defend operational technology (OT) platforms.
Founded in 2019
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$180.5MKey Investors
HedosophiaMoore Strategic VenturesInsight Partners
2025-09-03Series C· $75M
2023-06-07Series B· $33M
2022-02-08Series B· $50M
Leadership Team
Josh Lospinoso
CEO
Recent News
2026-01-07
2025-12-24
2025-12-05
Company data provided by crunchbase