Meridian: Forward Deployed Infrastructure Engineer (Senior / Suitland, MD / Hybrid) [TS/SCI]

The posting, as Spear AI wrote it

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. TS/SCI 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.

What you’ll do

We’re a small team wearing many hats, and you’d have a wide variety of responsibilities that include:

• Design and implement cloud architecture.
• Develop Infrastructure as Code using Pulumi.
• Build and maintain GitLab CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines.
• Continuously deploy to AWS cloud and air-gapped environments.
• Monitor applications/services with OpenTelemetry, Sentry, and SigNoz.
• Enforce CMMC compliance policies and rules.
• Manage secrets and configuration.
• Deploy, configure, and troubleshoot infrastructure within customer and air-gapped environments.
• Support RHEL/Linux-based platforms using Kubernetes, Podman, Docker, and Helm in operational environments.
• Partner directly with customer engineering teams to integrate, test, and resolve infrastructure issues.
• Travel to customer sites as needed to support deployments, upgrades, and mission execution.

Who you are

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

• You’re fanatical about polish. Every detail matters. You love to make sure your code is linted, formatted, fully typed, and has 100% test coverage.
• You care about correctness. You take pride in the fact that downstream consumers trust libraries and services you build.
• You obsess over performance. You daydream about Lighthouse scores and query speed.
• You dive deep. It’s important for you to really know how things work. You’re always building prototypes and setting up experiments to reinforce your understanding.
• You live on the bleeding edge. You’ve got a long list of upcoming platform features you’re excited about and can’t wait for the next nightly to drop.
• You’re a great teacher. You know how to break down a conce

[…]
lat organizational structure, where your ideas and contributions matter.

• 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 where you can help shape our future.

Additional benefit opportunities when you choose Spear AI

• 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).

We offer competitive compensation tailored to your experience, location, and the impact you’ll make. We’re committed to equitable pay and will share a range aligned to your level and geography during the hiring process. In accordance with state law, candidates in jurisdictions such as CA, CO, WA, NY, and others, where applicable, will be provided a good-faith salary range upon request and throughout the hiring process. This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Compensation for this position is provided on a salaried basis and is not subject to reduction based on hours worked. At Spear AI, you’ll find more than just a job; you’ll join a mission-driven team where your work directly contributes to national security. Our flat organizational structure means your voice matters, your ideas reach leadership, and your impact is visible. As we grow, we’re committed to building robust processes and infrastructure that support both our mission and our people. We value collaboration, continuous improvement, and the expertise each team member brings to the table. If you’re looking for a place to grow professionally while working on projects that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.