Modernization Engineer (Mid-level)

About the role

We’re seeking a skilled Modernization Engineer to design, build, and modernize the next generation of combat systems for the U.S. Navy. At Spear AI, you’ll work on real-world projects that directly impact warfighter capabilities and mission success, including sonobuoy sensors deployed into the water to collect edge data and processing U.S. Navy SONAR data.

Spear AI is a growing defense contracting company dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that support our nation’s security. 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.

Responsibilities

• Translate C/C++ code to memory-safe Rust.
• Ensure code is formatted, linted, and tested with code coverage.
• Containerize legacy codebase with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Replace antique messaging systems with Redpanda and Protobuf.
• Set up services using Infrastructure as Code.
• Bring modern tooling to local development workflows.
• Design and build CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions.

Requirements

We’re looking for someone with strong Software Engineering skills who shares our core values:

• Fanatical about polish: Every detail matters—code should be linted, formatted, fully typed, and have 100% test coverage.
• Care about correctness: You take pride in building trusted libraries and services for downstream consumers.
• Obsess over performance: You focus on metrics like Lighthouse scores and query speed.
• Dive deep: You prototype and experiment to truly understand how things work.
• Live on the bleeding edge: You stay excited about upcoming platform features and new releases.
• Great teacher: You can break down complex concepts for any audience and make them engaging.

Skills

• Familiar with C/C++.
• Expertise in Rust.
• Expertise with Kafka/Redpanda.
• Proficiency with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience building CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of Terraform or Pulumi for deploying Infrastructure as Code.
• Knowledge of Python.

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

Benefits

• 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 and benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• 11 Paid Holidays — Time off throughout the year to celebrate and spend with loved ones.
• Professional development — Educational opportunities and resources to grow your skills.
• Collaborative environment — Work directly with leadership in our flat organizational structure.
• Mission-driven work — Contribute to projects that directly support national security.
• Growth opportunities — Join during an exciting expansion phase and help shape our future.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Technology home office setup stipend.
• Professional certification reimbursement (position dependent).
• Relocation assistance (position dependent).
• Referral bonuses.
• Performance bonuses.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Pay

We offer competitive compensation tailored to your experience, location, and impact. Compensation for this position is provided on a salaried basis and is not subject to reduction based on hours worked. In accordance with state law, candidates in jurisdictions such as CA, CO, WA, NY, and others will be provided a good-faith salary range upon request and throughout the hiring process.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime pay. We’re a remote-first company—work from wherever you want. Collaboration happens in real time on Slack or asynchronously via GitHub.

Why work with us

• We ship: No 18-month projects that become irrelevant—our work has immediate impact.
• Our work matters: Products are deployed to U.S. submarines and integrate with the sonobuoys we manufacture.
• Growing responsibly: We have resources to scale but prioritize hiring people who share our values.
• We’re profitable: Not burning cash, with investors committed to our success.
• We care about great work: No permission needed to sweat the details.
• We don’t take ourselves too seriously: Building products that make the world safer, without the ego.