Software Engineer - Senior

About the role

We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead software development initiatives for enterprise AI platforms, provide technical leadership and architectural guidance while delivering high-quality, scalable software solutions.

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

- Lead design and implementation of complex full stack systems, services, and applications supporting the customer's AI/ML and analytic mission

- Architect end-to-end solutions across front-end UIs, back-end services, APIs, and data layers

- Develop and maintain RESTful APIs, microservices, and event-driven architectures

- Build and improve user interfaces and operator-facing dashboards used in mission workflows

- Provide technical mentorship and guidance to mid- and junior-level developers

- Establish coding standards, best practices, and development processes across the team

- Drive technical decision-making, technology selection, and architectural direction

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (data engineers, AI/ML engineers, mission analysts) on system integration and optimization

- Lead code reviews and ensure software quality, security, and performance standards

- Develop and maintain technical documentation, system specifications, and ADRs

- Identify and implement performance optimizations and scalability improvements

- Own and improve CI/CD pipelines, build automation, and DevSecOps practices across the development lifecycle

- Design, develop, and operate Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and tool integrations enabling agentic AI capabilities for mission users

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.