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.
We are looking for Mission Engineers (MEs) to be the tip of the Spear leading customer engagements and understanding the pain points and issues within current technology. You will design end to end solutions to solve some of the hardest problems within the national security enterprise. 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. WHAT YOU'LL DO: - Act as the connective tissue between operators, analysts, and technical teams to translate mission needs into technical solutions. - Identify, articulate, and shape operational use cases that can be enhanced or enabled by AI/ML capabilities. - Interface with client leadership, developers, and external stakeholders to align product development with mission-critical needs. - Drive feedback loops between end users and engineers to ensure delivered solutions are impactful and relevant. - Support field testing, performance evaluations, and operationalization of new tools in a fast-paced, iterative environment. - leverage Spear AI's core product offering, open source technologies, and whatever you can build to succeed WHO YOU ARE: - You’re fanatical about polish. Every detail matters. You love to make sure your code is linted, formatted, fully typed, and has 100% test coverage. - You care about correctness. You take pride in the fact that downstream consumers trust libraries and services you build. - You obsess over performance. You daydream about Lighthouse scores and query speed. - You dive deep. It’s important for you to really know how things work. You’re always building prototypes and setting up experiments to reinforce your understanding. - You live on the bleeding edge. You’ve got a long list of upcoming platform features you’re excited about and can’t wait for the next nightly to drop. - You’re a great teacher. You know how to break down a concept for a specific audience and make it click with them in a way that gets them excited. WHY WORK WITH SPEAR AI: - We ship — We don’t work on 18-month projects that are irrelevant before they’re even finished. - Our work has impact — We build products that are deployed to U.S. submarines and integrate with the sonobuoys we manufacture. - We’re growing responsibly — We have the resources to hire a lot more people, but we don’t want to build a massive team of people who don’t share our values. - We’re remote — Work from wherever you want. We collaborate in real time on Slack or asynchronously via GitHub. - We’re profitable — We aren’t burning through cash trying to make the business work. But we also have investors who believe in us and are committed to our success. - We care about doing great work — You don’t need permission to sweat the details here. - We don’t take ourselves too seriously — We’re building products that make the world safer. But we don’t let that get to our heads. IMPORTANT SKILLS: - Active TS/SCI - Strong software engineering background - Familiarity with data structures, storage systems, cloud infrastructure, front-end frameworks, and other technical tools - Understanding of how technical decisions impact the user of what you're building - Demonstrated ability to work in classified environments and liaise across operational and technical stakeholders - Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in conveying technical ideas to non-technical audiences - Willingness and interest to travel as needed NICE TO HAVE: - Degree in Computer Science or related degree - Familiarity with AI/ML systems and their operational applications - Military background or previous IC/DoD experience WHAT SPEAR AI OFFERS: - Unlimited PTO — Take the time you need to recharge and maintain work-life balance. - Dedicated sick time — Your health and well-being come first. - Comprehensive health and benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family protected. - 11 Paid Holidays — Enjoy time off throughout the year to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. - Professional development — Educational opportunities and resources to help you grow your skills and advance your career. - Collaborative environment — Work directly with leadership in our flat organizational structure, where your ideas and contributions matter. - Mission-driven work — Contribute to projects that directly support national security and make a real-world impact. ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OPPORTUNITIES WHEN YOU CHOOSE SPEAR AI: - 401(k) with company match. - Onsite / Remote / Flexible work arrangements or hybrid options (position dependent). - Relocation assistance (position dependent). - Referral bonuses. - Performance bonuses. - Life insurance and disability coverage. - Technology home office setup stipend. - Professional certification reimbursement (position dependent). We offer competitive compensation tailored to your experience, location, and the impact you’ll make. We’re committed to equitable pay and will share a range aligned to your level and geography during the hiring process. In accordance with state law, candidates in jurisdictions such as CA, CO, WA, NY, and o