D

Distributed Spectrum

Defense RF signal classification and localization

Product Operations

Full-Time
$150k - $200k/yr
Entry
New York, NY, USA
In Person
Project & Program ManagementProgram Management

About the job

Requirements
  • Ability to break down messy problems, distinguish facts from assumptions, and identify what to investigate next.
  • Ability to synthesize conflicting explanations into concise accounts of the situation, uncertainties, and issues requiring attention.
  • Technical curiosity and ability to learn quickly, follow technical discussions, and ask questions to build understanding.
  • Ability to understand others' constraints, identify gaps, help people move forward, and follow up consistently.
  • Fluency with AI tools such as Claude, including using them to learn, synthesize information, and automate repetitive work while verifying accuracy.
  • Background may be in engineering, consulting, investing, program management, military leadership, or startup operations; a specific background is not required.
  • A pattern of taking on difficult problems, producing high-quality work, and earning responsibility quickly.
  • Ability to challenge assumptions, test ideas, and change direction when evidence changes.
  • Ability to adapt when plans change and balance immediate deliverables with long-term goals.
  • Ability to optimize time, focus on important outcomes, and reduce inefficiencies.
  • Ability to stay connected with teams and customers so work fits together.
Responsibilities
  • Help founders and project owners agree on concrete, written success criteria and ensure everyone shares an understanding of progress and readiness.
  • Read plans and results, speak with the people doing the work, and independently assess progress.
  • Track owners, handoffs, and work needed for future milestones; when plans change, ensure everyone understands the next steps.
  • Resolve routine coordination gaps and present leaders with evidence, tradeoffs, and decisions requiring their judgment, while leaving technical and growth decisions with their owners.
  • Keep project records current, focus conversations, document decisions, follow through on commitments, and keep coordination overhead low.
  • Get test results and field observations to the appropriate people and assess their implications for upcoming milestones and agreed success criteria.

About the company

Distributed Spectrum develops RF signal classification and localization technologies for defense use. Its low SWaP sensors are designed to be deployed on unmanned or manned vehicles, carried by personnel, or left in the field, and they provide real-time situational awareness with actionable alerts. The sensors collect RF signals and process them to classify signals and locate sources, enabling rapid, informed decisions in operational environments. The company differentiates itself through a defense-focused product line, compact hardware, and on-device processing powered by expertise in circuit design, signal processing, radio communications, and machine learning. The ultimate goal is to enhance defense forces’ operational capabilities by delivering reliable sensor systems and related services that improve awareness and responsiveness in real time.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

Series A

Total Funding

$26.5M

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

2020

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • September 2023 AFRL award reached $1.248 million and closed by June 25, 2025.
  • Picogrid announced a 2023 Air Force partnership to field Distributed Spectrum's capabilities.
  • The company raised $29 million by 2026, including Conviction, Shield Capital, and Nat Friedman.

What critics are saying

  • Defense revenue depends on slow procurement cycles; Forbes lists only $12 million in contracts.
  • Shield AI and L3Harris already market autonomous EW systems, squeezing a tiny startup.
  • If Army, Air Force, and Navy awards stall, headcount and growth freeze in 2026.

What makes Distributed Spectrum unique

  • Founded at Harvard in 2021, Distributed Spectrum pairs ML models with low-SWaP sensors.
  • Its 2026 website touts hot-swappable commercial components and AI-enabled workflows for experts.
  • Forbes says Army, Air Force, and Navy contracts total $12 million.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Flexible PTO

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

8%
MedialApp Tech Private Limited
Apr 3rd, 2026
Distributed Spectrum raises $25M Series A for AI-powered radio signal detection tech

Distributed Spectrum, a New York-based defence technology company, has raised $25 million in Series A funding led by Conviction, Shield Capital and Nat Friedman, with participation from Felicis and XFund. Founded in 2020 by Harvard engineering students Alex Wulff, Ben Harpe and Isaac Struhl, the company develops AI-powered software and sensors for detecting and analysing radio signals. The startup specialises in radio frequency intelligence and currently employs approximately 30 people.

Distributed Spectrum
Feb 9th, 2026
Distributed Spectrum │ Series A Announcement

Gain actionable insights from the radio spectrum in real-time with small, cheap and efficient sensors from Distributed Spectrum

Felicis
May 31st, 2024
Companies

Felicis portfolio companies.

Picogrid
Oct 3rd, 2023
Picogrid Partners with Distributed Spectrum, Securing an Air Force Contract

Picogrid partners with Distributed Spectrum, securing an Air Force contract.