Forward Deployed Data Engineer (Groton, CT / Senior) [Secret]

Spear AI • Groton, CT

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re seeking a skilled Forward Deployed Data Engineer to build the next-generation data management and artificial intelligence platform for maritime domain awareness. As a forward-deployed engineer, you’ll work on-site with customers — writing code, integrating systems, and solving hard problems in the field. You’re part engineer, part technical advisor, and wholly accountable for making the mission succeed. The position requires a current or active U.S. Secret clearance. 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.

Requirements

• Strong Software Engineering skills
• Fanatical about polish: code is linted, formatted, fully typed, and has 100% test coverage.
• Care about correctness: take pride in the fact that downstream consumers trust libraries and services you build.
• Obsess over performance: daydream about Lighthouse scores and query speed.
• Dive deep: really know how things work, always building prototypes and setting up experiments to reinforce understanding.
• Live on the bleeding edge: excited about upcoming platform features and can't wait for the next nightly to drop.
• Great teacher: know how to break down a concept for a specific audience and make it click with them.
• Expertise in time-series data processing and analysis (windowing, resampling, interpolation, etc.)
• Proficiency in Python and Rust for data engineering workflows.
• Experience with binary message parsing.
• Experience with row-based & columnar-based data formats.
• Experience with OLTP & OLAP databases.
• Knowledge of distributed systems, streaming architectures, and batch processing patterns.
• Hands-on experience with a batch orchestrator such as Dagster/Airflow.
• Hands-on experience with a streaming platform such as Redpanda/Kafka.
• Hands-on experience with binary message formats such as Protobuf.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with IoT devices and sensors.
• Digital signal processing experience.
• Geospatial analysis and GIS experience.
• Familiar with working in monorepos.

Responsibilities

• Implement real-time data pipelines with MQTT and Redpanda for stream processing.
• Implement offline data pipelines using Dagster for batch processing.
• Parse and process binary message formats from various data sources.
• Build data warehouses using Postgres, Apache Iceberg, Parquet, and S3.
• Design data models that allow for high-performance queries.
• Validate and normalize data sources.
• Improve local development and CI/CD using modern tooling and GitHub Actions.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• Dedicated sick time
• Comprehensive health and benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Professional development – Educational opportunities and resources
• Collaborative environment – Work directly with leadership in our flat organizational structure
• 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
• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed