Embedded Software Developer - AI-Enabled Acoustic Systems

Spear AI is seeking an embedded software developer to develop, debug, and maintain embedded software and firmware for our line of AI-enabled acoustic systems. This role goes beyond traditional embedded software engineering—you'll periodically join field operations to deploy new systems, gather user feedback, and gain deeper insight into real-world applications.

Spear AI serves the national security industry, providing hardware, software, and data solutions across classification levels for operational deployment. As a rapidly growing company committed to excellence through continuous fielding, we offer competitive pay, stock options, excellent benefits, and generous paid time off.

You'll join our interdisciplinary hardware development team in Falmouth, MA, working alongside mechanical engineers, board-level electronics designers, and technicians to deliver buoys that meet critical customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

• System Development & Architecture: Translate general system requirements into actionable software tasks and architecture
• Embedded Linux Development: Develop, troubleshoot, test, deploy, and debug primary buoy software in a Linux environment using modern GNU dev tools
• Work within current codebase using C++17, Python 3.12+, and ROS2 environment
• Cross-Platform Development: Develop, maintain, test, debug, and deploy a cross-platform DSP library for both real-time use on ARM A-series processors and traditional cloud computing environments
• Firmware Development: Develop, troubleshoot, test, deploy, and debug firmware for STM32 microcontrollers running FreeRTOS, C23, and standard STM32 HAL APIs
• User-Centered Design: Solicit feedback from buoy field operators; Identify key missing features from existing systems; Implement improvements based on operational insights
• Cloud Integration: Maintain API interfaces with independent cloud processing team consuming acoustic data from IoT buoy systems; and Support both real-time data transmission via MQTT and data offload via Amazon S3 during servicing intervals
• Testing & Validation: Test components, subsystems, and complete systems in both shop and field environments
• Production Enablement: Develop documentation, procedures, scripts, containers, and CI/CD pipelines to enable technicians to scale buoy production as Spear grows
• Team Development: Mentor junior colleagues as the team expands
  
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years with embedded software development (new college graduates will not be considered)
• Technical Excellence: Exemplary attention to detail, focus on quality, and uncompromising commitment to safety
• Programming Skills: Strong programming, testing, and debugging fundamentals; C/C++ experience strongly preferred
• Version Control: Strong git fundamentals
• Communication: Excellent verbal and good written communication skills
• Hardware Integration: Ability to work with hardware engineers to debug complex systems where issues span the hardware-software interface
• Linux Proficiency: Demonstrated experience working in Linux environments
• Physical Requirements: Ability to physically participate in at-sea deployment, test, and recovery operations, including: Lifting and carrying equipment; Maneuvering on small boats at sea; Verbal communication in maritime environments; Performing fine manipulations
• Security Clearance: Willingness to obtain SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance at no expense to you (reference CIA requirements for background check details)
  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Maritime operations experience including small boat operations, over-the-side handling, field repair, and sea trip logistics
• Prior military service or history working with military customers/personnel
• Python programming skills
• Experience with build/deployment/CI tooling: CMake, ROS2 build system (ament/colcon), Docker, gcc cross compilation
• Knowledge of low-level communications protocols: I2C, SPI, asynchronous serial, CAN, or similar
• Experience with embedded IoT modems using AT command set
• Familiarity with FreeRTOS and its major modules (filesystem, network drivers)
  
  
  
  

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 & 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 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 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 others, where applicable, will be provided a good-faith salary range upon request and through 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.