Hybrid Firmware Detections Engineer

at Shift5

• Job title: Firmware Detections Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $100,000 - $175,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Cyber Security, Linux, Python, Rust
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Rosslyn, United States

About the role

• Firmware Detection Engineer in FPGA design and testing for cybersecurity solutions at Shift5. Collaborating with teams to enhance detection algorithms and capabilities.

Responsibilities

• 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%).

Requirements

• 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.

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)