Senior Embedded Software Engineer

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