Software Engineer - Senior
About The Position
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. The Services team is Spear AI’s applied engineering and technical advisory arm - embedded alongside government customers to design, build, and operate the AI pipelines, data infrastructure, and software systems that take emerging AI capability from concept to fielded mission impact. The team brings together machine learning engineers, data engineers, software engineers, cloud architects, and operational subject matter experts who pair deep technical skill with a working understanding of how the Intelligence Community and DoD actually function day to day. Services engagements vary from small, focused capability sprints to multi-year embedded support across classified environments.
Requirements
- 8+ years of hands‑on software development experience building production systems
- Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain CI Polygraph
- Expertise in multiple programming languages and technology stacks: a modern JS framework (React, Angular, or Vue) plus at least one back-end language/framework (Python/FastAPI/Django, Node.js, Java/Spring, or Go)
- Strong understanding of software architecture patterns, system design, and API design (REST and/or GraphQL)
- Experience with relational and non-relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, etc.)
- Experience with cloud-native development and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Proven track record of leading technical teams and mentoring developers
- Deep knowledge of secure coding practices, authentication/authorization (OAuth, SAML, OIDC), and performance optimization
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to rapidly learn novel AI platforms, frameworks, and tool integrations, including those enabling agentic AI capabilities
Nice To Haves
- TS/SCI CI Poly clearance
- Strong AWS cloud skills (ECS/EKS, Lambda, S3, IAM, RDS, and CloudWatch)
- Experience with GitLab and GitLab CI/CD pipelines
- Strong DevSecOps background (secure SDLC, SAST/DAST, container scanning, secrets management, and policy-as-code)
- Experience designing, building, or integrating with MCP servers and tool-using LLM systems
- Military experience strongly preferred
- Intelligence Community experience strongly preferred
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- Unlimited PTO
- Dedicated sick time
- Comprehensive health and benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Professional development
- Collaborative environment
- Mission-driven work
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
