Senior Embedded Linux Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Spear AI is seeking an embedded linux developer to develop, debug and maintain software for Spear AI's line of AI-enabled acoustic systems. In addition to traditional embedded software engineering tasks you will also be expected to periodically join field operations to deploy new systems, obtain user feedback, and better understand the primary use case.
Spear AI serves the national security industry and provides hardware, software, and data solutions that span levels of classification and are intended for operational deployment. Spear AI is a rapidly growing company with a commitment to development of excellent products through continuous fielding. Spear offers competitive pay, stock options, excellent benefits, and generous paid time off.
This role goes to sea. You will personally participate in buoy deployments, recovery operations, and at-sea testing several times a year. The work requires the ability to lift and handle equipment on a small boat in open water, communicate clearly under field conditions, and perform fine manipulations on hardware while underway. This is not an optional or occasional aspect of the job. It is one of the main reasons the position exists, and it is what makes our software better than anyone else's.
Responsibilities
If you are the right candidate, within your first 60 days, three things will be true:
• You will have shipped meaningful major feature updates
• You will have been to sea at least three times
• You will be deeply integrated with your teammates and emotionally invested in the mission and collective success.
This position will be part of the interdisciplinary hardware development team located in Falmouth MA. The team includes a diverse team of engineers and technicians that includes mechanical hardware and board-level electronics design engineers. Successful candidates will work with this team to deliver sensor systems that meet customer needs.
Responsibilities may vary but will generally include:
Translate general system requirements to 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. Current codebase uses C++17 / Python 3.12+ in a ROS2 environment but ROS2 will be removed in the future.
Testing - Test components, subsystems and systems in the shop and in the field.
Cross-platform development - Develop, maintain, test, debug, and employ a cross-platform DSP library developed for both real-time use on ARM A-series processors and traditional cloud computing environments.
Implement User Feedback - Solicit feedback from buoy field operators, identify key features missing from the existing system, and implement and appropriate.
Interface with IoT cloud segment - Maintain API with an independent cloud processing team that consumes acoustic data from the Internt of Things (IoT) buoy systems and creates data products to meet customer requirements. This includes both real-time data via MQTT and data offload during the servicing interval via upload to Amazon S3.
Handoff to maritime operations - Develop documentation, procedures, scripts, containers, CI/CD pipelines, as needed to enable technicians to scale up buoy production as Spear grows.
Mentoring of junior colleagues as the team grows.
Requirements
Track record of owning embedded systems through multiple production cycles, meaning you have personally taken something complex from working-on-the-bench to deployed-and-running-in-the-field, and back through the next generation in a professional rather than personal or educational environment. We expect this typically corresponds to a senior IC level of experience, likely at least 8 years.
Ability to work with hardware engineers to debug complex systems where bugs lie at the interface between hardware and software. Ability to plan testing to maximize expensive and challenging field time.
Embrasure of modern
Ability to physically participate in at sea deployment, test, and recovery operations including ability to lift, carry, and maneuver on a small boat at sea, communicate verbally, and carry out fine manipulations.
Exemplary attention to detail, a focus on quality, and an uncompromising focus on safety.
Strong programing, testing, and debugging fundamentals. C/C++/RUST experience strongly preferred.
Strong version control fundamentals.
Excellent verbal and good written communication skills.
Experience working in a Linux environment.
You may be asked to obtain a SECRET, or TOP SECRET security clearance. This will be at no expense to you. For resources on what a security background involves and what disqualifies people reference the CIA requirements.
Desired
Any maritime operations experience including small boat operations, over-the-side handling, field repair and logistics of a trip to sea.
Prior military service of a history of working with military customers/personnel
Experience with CMake, ROS2's build system (ament / colcon), docker, gcc cross compilation, and other build/deployment/CI tooling for embedded systems.
Experience working with low-level communications protocols such as I2C, SPI, asynchronous serial, CAN, or similar.
Experience with embedded IoT modems using the AT command set.
Experience with FreeRTOS and its large modules such as filesystem or network drivers.
Why work with us

• We ship - We don't work on 18-month projects that are irrelevant before they're even finished.
• Our work has impact - We build products that are deployed to U.S. submarines and integrate with the sonobuoys we manufacture.
• We're growing responsibly - We have the resources to hire a lot more people, but we don't want to build a massive team of people who don't share our values.
• We're profitable - We aren't burning through cash trying to make the business work. But we also have investors who believe in us and are committed to our success.
• We care about doing great work - You don't need permission to sweat the details here.
• We don't take ourselves too seriously - We're building products that make the world safer. But we don't let that get to our heads.

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 time with loved ones.
• Professional Development - Educational opportunities and resources to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
• Collaborative Environment - Work directly with leadership in our flat 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.