Embedded DevOps Engineer

Spear AI is seeking an engineer to provide DevOps and infrastructure for the embedded software team on our hardware platforms. This person will also serve as an informal interface between the embedded software team and the company-wide software group, reporting to the VP of software but co-located with the hardware team.

Your job will be to provide best practices for HIL, SIL, CI/CD, Deployment, Provisioning, Configuration, etc., to the firmware team using Spear AI’s cloud-based infrastructure and applications.

This role goes to sea. You will personally participate in buoy deployments, recovery operations, and at-sea testing several times a year. The work requires the ability to lift and handle equipment on a small boat in open water, communicate clearly under field conditions, and perform fine manipulations on hardware while underway. This is not an optional or occasional aspect of the job. It is one of the main reasons the position exists and one of the things that make our software better than anyone else’s.
Spear AI serves the national security industry, providing hardware, software, and data solutions that span classification levels and are intended for operational deployment. Spear AI is a rapidly growing company with a commitment to the development of excellent products through continuous fielding. Spear offers competitive pay, stock options, excellent benefits, and generous paid time off.

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.

Responsibilities

If you’re the right candidate, within your first 60 days, four things will be true:

• You’ll have crafted and partially implemented a plan for CI/CD/HIL/SIL for our firmware.

• You’ll have evaluated our current provisioning and configuration systems and made substantial improvements that have been moved to production.

• You’ll have been to sea at least three times and have a good understanding of what our operators need to be successful.

• You’ll be deeply integrated with your teammates and emotionally invested in the mission and collective success.

This position will be part of two teams: Spear AI’s mostly remote software team and our interdisciplinary hardware development team located in Falmouth, MA. The Hardware team includes a diverse group of engineers and technicians, including Mechanical hardware and board-level electronics Design Engineers, while the software team includes a diverse group of Data, Design, Full Stack, Infrastructure, and Machine Learning engineers. Successful candidates will work well with both teams and bridge the gap to deliver sensor systems that meet customer needs.

Responsibilities may vary, but will generally include:

• Own and develop the CI/CD/SIL/HIL testing pipeline for Spear AI’s embedded software.

• Personally develop and coordinate other spear resources to mesh the cloud-based software systems with the hardware systems to accelerate automation and error checking around all aspects of provisioning, configuration, deployment, etc., for our embedded software.

• Translate general system requirements to actionable software tasks and architecture.

• Mentor junior colleagues as the team grows.

Requirements

This is a hardware/software integration role. Your experience must include previous hardware interactions.:

• Expert in Infrastructure as Code using Pulumi or Terraform.

• Expert in Docker and Kubernetes.

• Expert in CI/CD and DevOps with GitHub Actions.

• Expert in HIL Testing.

• Proficiency in AWS and/or other cloud services.

• Proficiency in Python or TypeScript.

• Proficiency with networking.

• Familiar with cybersecurity compliance frameworks like CMMC, PCI, or SOC.

• Experience deploying to air-gapped environments.

• Experience self-hosting on bare metal servers.

• Excellent verbal and good written communication skills.

• Experience working in a Linux environment.

You may be asked to obtain a SECRET or TOP SECRET security clearance. This will be at no expense to you. For resources on what a security background entails and what disqualifies people, refer to the CIA requirements.

Desired

We’re looking for someone with strong Software Engineering skills who shares our most important values:

• Any maritime operations experience, including small boat operations, over-the-side handling, field repair, and logistics of a trip to sea.

• Prior military service or a history of working with military customers/personnel.

Why work with us

• 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.

What we offer

• 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.

• Growth opportunities — Join us during an exciting expansion phase where you can help shape our future.

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 dand others, where applicable, will be provided a good-faith salary range upon request and throughout the hiring process. This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime pay.
  
  Compensation for this position is provided on a salaried basis and is not subject to reduction based on hours worked. At Spear AI, you’ll find more than just a job; you’ll join a mission-driven team where your work directly contributes to national security. Our flat organizational structure means your voice matters, your ideas reach leadership, and your impact is visible. As we grow, we’re committed to building robust processes and infrastructure that support both our mission and our people. We value collaboration, continuous improvement, and the expertise each team member brings to the table. If you’re looking for a place to grow professionally while working on projects that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.

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,