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’re looking for a Software Engineer to develop and maintain full stack software applications and services supporting AI/ML and analytic mission operations, focusing on scalable back-end systems, APIs, and user interfaces for enterprise platforms. Works closely with senior engineers, data engineers, and AI/ML practitioners to deliver mission capability. ABOUT SPEAR AI 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 WILL DO - Design and implement full stack software components for AI/ML and analytic applications - Develop RESTful APIs and microservices following established architectural patterns - Build user interfaces and dashboards for AI system monitoring, control, and mission workflows - Implement automated testing and continuous integration practices - Collaborate with data scientists, AI engineers, and senior SWEs on system integration - Troubleshoot and resolve software issues in development and production environments - Participate in code reviews and maintain high-quality coding standards - Contribute to software architecture decisions and technical documentation - Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps tooling under the guidance of senior engineers - Support development and operation of MCP server integrations and AI tooling WHO YOU ARE - You’re forward‑thinking. You take initiative and don’t wait to be handed a backlog. - You’re flexible. You’re comfortable with ambiguity and eager to push the technical state of the art. - You own the problem. You can spot a mission gap, frame a solution, and drive it to delivery. - You dive deep. You need to understand how things actually work, and you build prototypes and experiments to prove it. - You live on the bleeding edge. You track upcoming platform features and can’t wait for the next nightly to drop. - You’re a great teacher. You break down complex concepts for any audience and make the ideas click. - You’re mission‑driven. “Operationally relevant” isn’t a buzzword to you, it’s the bar you expect to clear. 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 - 4+ years of hands‑on software development experience - Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain CI Polygraph - Proficiency in at least one modern front-end framework (React, Angular, or Vue) and at least one back-end language (Python, JavaScript/Node.js, Java, Go, or similar) - Experience with web frameworks, relational and/or non-relational databases, and - cloud platforms - Working knowledge of API design (REST/GraphQL) and microservice patterns - Knowledge of software engineering best practices and common design patterns - Experience with version control (Git), testing frameworks, and DevOps tools - Demonstrated ability and willingness to rapidly learn novel AI platforms, frameworks, and tool integrations, including those enabling agentic AI capabilities NICE TO HAVE - TS/SCI CI Poly clearance - Strong AWS cloud skills (ECS/EKS, Lambda, S3, IAM, RDS, and CloudWatch) - Experience with GitLab and GitLab CI/CD pipelines - DevSecOps exposure (secure coding, automated testing, container/dependency scanning) - Familiarity with MCP servers or tool-using LLM systems - Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and patterns for integrating ML services into applications - Military experience strongly preferred - Intelligence Community experience strongly preferred 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: