Spear AI supplies maritime AI via the Horizon acoustic-data platform, modular edge-deployable sensors, and technical services for AI strategy, data pipelines, algorithms, MLOps, and operational integration for U.S. Navy/DoD.
Spear AI is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer with maritime experience. You will be part of a cross functional team designing, building, testing, and deploying unmanned maritime sensor systems. Spear AI is a growing defense contracting company dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that support our nation’s security. As we expand, we’re building a culture where innovation meets mission-critical work. We operate with a flat organizational structure that empowers every team member to make an impact, collaborate directly with leadership, and contribute to projects that matter. Whether you’re joining our Hardware, Software, or Services division, you’ll work alongside talented professionals who are committed to excellence and advancing the capabilities that keep our nation safe and secure. Spear AI builds sonobuoy sensors that are deployed into the water and collect edge data. We also work with the U.S. Navy to collect and process their SONAR data. You’ll have an opportunity to work on real-world projects that directly impact warfighter capabilities and mission success. Responsibilities You will be the second and senior of the two mechanical engineers in the team. You will be expected to mentor more junior engineers and technicians. You should have at least some experience in most of the following areas: Structural and Functional Design – Design and document mechanical systems applying both analysis and intuition as appropriate. Optimize for various factors and ensure compliance with requirements. Design for operational maritime use including submerged systems – Design systems with an operator centric viewpoint that will survive and thrive in challenging maritime and submerged environments. Produce Mechanical CAD artifacts including drawings, documentation, and revision control – Select Manufacturing processes – Determine appropriate manufacturing processes, generate appropriate documentation for technicians or suppliers, optimize designs for the use of selected processes. We place a high emphasis on distributed and/or low tech manufacturing and tend to avoid precision machining. Additive Manufacturing – Spear relies heavily on additive manufacturing. Design parts for additive manufacturing, understand how to optimize additive manufacturing, determine appropriate testing regimens for additive parts. Prototyping and Troubleshooting – Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes of designs. We believe that engineers should be heavily involved in building the first few prototypes of their own work. Handoff to manufacturing—Develop documentation, procedures, and artifacts to transition manufacturing processes to technicians. Operational Testing – Plan, support and participate in operational testing of prototypes including bench testing and field testing to include going to sea during early stages of your prototype testing. Incorporate feedback – Elicit and incorporate feedback from assembly and field technicians throughout the design cycle to improve performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Spear currently assembles all systems on-site, providing excellent opportunities to see processes in action. Requirements A BS in Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture and a minimum 5+ years of relevant experience (or a minimum of 10 years of highly relevant experience with a minimum of five years of experience working in a design role.) Prior maritime design experience Familiarity with standard mechanical engineering tools and processes. Solidworks preferred but not required provided you can cross over to Solidworks quickly. Extensive hands-on experience in prototyping, testing, and refinement of designs in the lab and preferably in a field environment. Suitable written and verbal communication skills for working in a high performing development team. Ability to physically participate in at sea deployment, test, and recovery operations including ability to lift, carry, and maneuver on a small boat at sea, communicate verbally, and carry out fine manipulations. You must be willing to receive a Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance. This will be at no expense to you. For resources on what goes into a security background involves and what disqualifies people reference the CIA requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain a clearance will be grounds for termination. Desired Prior experience with small boats and at sea operations is strongly desired. Prior experience with UxS is desired by not required. We hope you'll join our fast growing team!