Forward Deployed Full-Stack Engineer (Patuxent River, MD / Mid-level)

Spear AI • Manassas, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Spear AI is seeking a Forward Deployed Full-Stack Engineer to build a data management and artificial intelligence platform for maritime domain awareness. The engineer will work on-site with customers to write code, integrate systems, and solve problems in the field. The role combines engineering and technical advising, with accountability for mission success. An active U.S. Secret clearance is required.

Spear AI is a growing defense contracting company that builds sonobuoy sensors and works with the U.S. Navy to collect and process SONAR data. The role supports real-world projects that directly affect warfighter capabilities and mission success. The company describes its structure as flat, with opportunities to collaborate directly with leadership and contribute to mission-critical projects.

The position is full-time and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, salaried, and not eligible for overtime pay. Compensation is tailored to experience, location, and impact; a salary range will be shared during the hiring process as applicable.

Requirements

• Active U.S. Secret clearance.
• Expertise in TypeScript.
• Expertise in CSS, such as TailwindCSS.
• Experience with React and frontend frameworks such as Next.js.
• Familiarity with state management such as React Context.
• Experience with Node.js, GraphQL, and REST APIs.
• Proficiency with SQL/PostgreSQL.
• Knowledge of Docker and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of Python.
• Strong full-stack engineering skills.
• Care about code polish, including linting, formatting, type safety, and test coverage.
• Focus on correctness, performance, and understanding how systems work.
• Ability to teach and explain concepts to specific audiences.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Build application components and pages.
• Implement historical and real-time data feeds using WebGPU.
• Design and develop data models using Postgres and Apache Iceberg.
• Modify real-time data pipelines using MQTT and Redpanda.
• Modify offline data pipelines using Dagster for batch processing.
• Modify and integrate machine learning models or other algorithms into the application.
• Improve local development and CI/CD using modern tooling and GitHub Actions.
• Work on-site with customers to write code, integrate systems, and solve problems in the field.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO.
• Dedicated sick time.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Professional development and educational resources.
• Collaborative environment with direct access to leadership.
• Mission-driven work supporting national security.
• Growth opportunities.
• 401(k) with company match.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed