Meridian: Forward Deployed Infrastructure Engineer [TS/SCI]

📋 Job Overview

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. Secret clearance.

🏢 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.

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.

🎯 The Role

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.

✅ Key Responsibilities

• 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 concept for a specific audience and make it click with them in a way that gets them excited.

⭐ Desirable Experience

• Expert in Infrastructure as Code using Pulumi or Terraform.
• Expert in Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Linux system administration, and Podman.
• Experience deploying and managing containerized environments using Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, and Podman.
• Expert in CI/CD and DevSecOps, including GitLab CI/CD and GitHub Actions.
• Proficiency in AWS and/or other cloud services.
• Experience with scripting and automation using Bash, Python, Go, or TypeScript.
• Proficiency with networking.
• Familiar with cybersecurity compliance frameworks like CMMC, PCI, or SOC.
• Familiar with Single Sign-on and Identity Providers (IdP) like Authentik and Keycloak.
• Experience deploying to air-gapped environments.
• Experience self-hosting on bare metal servers.
• Active Secret clearance required

🎁 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 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 impact.

🛂 Visa & Eligibility

• Active Secret clearance required