Mechanical Engineer — Shift5

About Shift5

Shift5 is building the data platform for onboard operational technology (OT). We deliver cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance capabilities that enable defense and commercial fleets to operate with greater readiness, resilience, and mission assurance.

We are seeking a mission-aligned Mechanical Engineer to drive the mechanical design, development and integration of cutting-edge rugged hardware for data collection and processing on the edge.

This role sits at the intersection of Mechanical Design, Hardware Lifecycle Management, and Aerospace/Defense Compliance and will play a critical role in supporting Shift5’s next phase of growth.

This is an active, in-office and field-oriented role. It requires a desire to get hands-on in the field with customer platforms, technical fluency in mechanical design, ownership of the full hardware development lifecycle, an ambitious mindset to do whatever it takes, and the relentless drive needed to solve the toughest problems facing our customers.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop ruggedized electronic enclosure assemblies and custom mechanical installation kits using first-principles physics and engineering analysis to comply with military and aerospace standards.
• Own CAD modeling and PLM for ruggedized electronic assemblies and mechanical installation kits, generating production drawings with GD&T under DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 standards.
• Partner with vendors and suppliers to manage tooling, procurement, BOMs, and design revisions supporting manufacturing and field deployment.
• Travel and deploy into the field to work directly alongside customers, leading on-site mechanical fit checks, installations, and supporting integration testing, and system verification.
• Prototype, test, and validate mechanical designs against real-world structural, thermal, environmental, and integration requirements.
• Translate field integration findings into actionable mechanical design improvements, working to resolve interface, fitment, environmental, and manufacturability issues.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• Experience in mechanical engineering of rugged electrical enclosure design, bracket/installation kit design, or hands-on hardware integration. (3+ years; 7+ years for Senior).
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and PLM tools, including SolidWorks and Siemens NX & Teamcenter, for detailed design, drafting, GD&T, and assembly validation.
• Strong engineering fundamentals across first-principles physics, FEA, sheet metal fabrication, and advanced manufacturing methods.
• Hands-on-Experience with mechanical prototyping, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Comfort operating in fast-paced, regulated environments involving MIL-STD-810 (shock, vibration, environmental) and DO-160 standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Highly self-motivated with a strong bias for action, proactive problem-solving skills, and willingness to travel as needed.
• Security Clearance: Active U.S. Secret security clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one.

Preferred:

• System-level electromechanical integration experience for defense/aerospace platforms, including cable routing, thermal management, structural load paths, and mounting constraints.
• Vendor & Supply Chain Collaboration: Experience conducting vendor surveys, evaluating component supplier changes, and working closely with supply chain and manufacturing teams.
• Experience in an AS9100 certified environment and familiarity with IPC standards.

Compensation & Benefits

We are open to hiring for this position at the Mid-level or Senior level, depending on candidate experience and skill depth. The actual title and pay grade will be aligned during the interview process.

• Mid-Level: $110,000 – $150,000
• Senior Level: $130,000 – $180,000

Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, technical expertise, and interview assessment.

• 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.

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