Forward Deployed 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.

Forward Deployed Engineer: 

Shift5 is hiring a select group of Forward Deployed Engineers to join our growing team. This role is crucial for delivering exceptional technical support directly to our customers.

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will be a key technical partner, working on-site with customers to deploy our products and ensure their success. You'll be a hands-on problem-solver who thrives under pressure and can translate complex technical challenges into clear, actionable solutions. You must be comfortable working in a variety of environments, from a customer's headquarters to climbing on the belly of an aircraft in an un-air-conditioned hangar. 

You're an anticipatory problem-solver. You're always a step ahead, identifying potential roadblocks before anyone else.

We recognize that the necessary skillsets for this role are broad, spanning both hardware and software. We don't expect any single candidate to have 100% of these skills. Instead, we are looking for individuals who have deep expertise in either hardware or software, a passion for learning new skills, and the drive to solve complex, ambiguous problems.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide Technical Expertise: Act as the technical authority for our customers, guiding them through the deployment and operationalization of our technologies.
• Problem-Solve: Develop engineered solutions to difficult and ambiguous problems, working as part of a cross-functional team.
• Customer Advocacy: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, serving as a liaison to manage expectations and ensure effective problem resolution.
• Travel: Be comfortable with up to 40-75% travel within the U.S. to customer sites.

Key Technical Skillsets: 

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in a combination of the following hardware and software-focused skills:

• Hardware & Systems: Mastery of Linux operating systems, electrical engineering or electronics technologies, networking and serial communication protocols, and device security concepts. You have a knack for turning raw data into actionable insights and are comfortable with a physical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Software & Development: Excellence in popular programming languages like Python or Javascript. You have a generative mindset, seeing a problem and taking action to solve it. You have experience with OS container technologies and can independently decompose complex software problems to develop reliable, properly scoped solutions.

Qualifications: 

• Experience: Proven experience in a related field engineering or software development role.
• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Citizenship: US Citizenship is required.
• Security Clearance: The ability to obtain or hold a US Government Security Clearance. 

If you bring calm to chaos, thrive on complex challenges, and are ready to shape how the world’s most important transportation assets are operated at scale, drop us a line!

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $100,000-$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.