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Spear AI

AI-enabled defense software and maritime sensors

Information Systems Security Officer

Full-Time
No salary listed
Senior
Washington, DC, USA
In Person
Cybersecurity
No H1B Sponsorship
US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required, and the candidate must be able to obtain a polygraph.
  • Deep expertise in National Institute of Standards and Technology Risk Management Framework, Intelligence Community Directive 503, Committee on National Security Systems Instruction 1253, and Intelligence Community/Department of War security policy frameworks is required.
  • Demonstrated experience achieving and maintaining Authority to Operate approvals for complex, multi-system programs in classified environments is required.
  • Strong experience in security architecture, risk management, and incident response within Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System or similar classified networks is required.
  • Professional certification as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional is required.
  • Department of War 8570/8140 Information Assurance Manager Level III compliance is required.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the senior security authority for all program information systems, providing oversight to Information Systems Security Officers and security staff.
  • Lead and manage the Risk Management Framework process across multiple systems, ensuring Authority to Operate approvals are achieved and maintained in compliance with Intelligence Community Directive 503 and National Institute of Standards and Technology standards.
  • Develop, implement, and enforce information security policies, procedures, and standards tailored to Intelligence Community operational environments.
  • Advise program leadership and the Authorizing Official on cybersecurity risks, mitigation strategies, and residual risk acceptance.
  • Oversee continuous monitoring programs, security control assessments, and vulnerability management activities.
  • Lead incident response, forensic investigations, and after-action reporting for security events affecting classified systems.
  • Manage and mentor Information Systems Security Officer personnel, establishing clear responsibilities and security workflows.
  • Coordinate with Intelligence Community and Department of War security stakeholders, including inspectors general, inspectors, and oversight bodies.
  • Ensure security architecture and engineering decisions align with mission requirements and applicable directives, including Intelligence Community Directive 503, Committee on National Security Systems Instruction 1253, and National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-53.
  • Evaluate emerging threats and drive proactive security improvements across artificial intelligence/machine learning and data platforms.
  • Support audits, inspections, and reviews by government oversight authorities.
Desired Qualifications
  • Certification as a Certified Information Security Manager, Certified Authorization Professional, or Security+ is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with artificial intelligence/machine learning system security considerations is desirable.
  • Experience with AWS GovCloud or Azure Government security is desirable.
  • Military Intelligence or Intelligence Community experience is desirable.

About the company

Spear AI builds AI and machine-learning tools for national security and maritime missions. Its Horizon AI Platform labels and manages acoustic data, while Forerunner handles edge AI processing and it also offers field-ready maritime sensors; combined with consulting services on AI strategy and data pipelines, the company provides a deployable hardware-software stack. The solutions help operators interpret passive acoustics to distinguish background sounds from potential threats, improving decision-making and situational awareness in challenging maritime environments. The team’s Navy background and focus on defense use set it apart, aiming to support Navy and allied operations with reliable, integrated tools for detection, data management, and edge computing.

Company Size

1-10

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$2.3M

Headquarters

Washington DC, District of Columbia

Founded

2022

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • August 2026 BlueTIDE win strengthens sales credibility entering new Navy competitions.
  • July 2025 seed funding from Cortical Ventures and Scare the Bear financed expansion.
  • August 2026 careers page showed active hiring across eight Services roles, signaling growth.

What critics are saying

  • Navy concentration remains severe; one buyer dominates revenue and procurement timing.
  • Defense primes and better-funded maritime startups can outspend Spear AI on integration.
  • If Navy programs shift away from acoustic submarines, Spear AI loses its core thesis.

What makes Spear AI unique

  • Former Navy intelligence and submarine leadership give Spear AI operator credibility.
  • Horizon and edge sensors target passive acoustic workflows, not generic defense AI.
  • BlueTIDE 2026 award validated Counter UxS performance against peer maritime teams.

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Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Leave

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

11 Paid Holidays

Professional Development Budget

Remote Work Options

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

401(k) Company Match

Relocation Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Performance Bonus

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Home Office Stipend

Professional Certification Support

Company News

PR Newswire
Sep 1st, 2026
Spear AI earns BlueTIDE Maritime Defense Innovation Award.

Spear AI earns BlueTIDE Maritime Defense Innovation Award. Sep 01, 2026, 05:00 ET NEWPORT, R.I., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Spear AI received the BlueTIDE Maritime Defense Innovation Award at Polaris Tech Bridge's BlueTIDE 2026 event, held Thursday, Aug. 27. Spear AI competed in the Counter UxS & Defensive Autonomous Systems technical focus area, which showcased solutions enabling the detection, identification, tracking, and mitigation of unmanned threats across operational environments. The award recognizes Spear AI as the top performer among the companies that demonstrated in the Counter UxS technical category. A group of subject matter experts evaluated participants based on their original applications, test plans, and in-person visits to each booth throughout the day. "We're excited to be recognized by Polaris Tech Bridge and the BlueTIDE evaluation panel. The opportunity to talk to real users of our technology was incredible," said Michael Hunter, CEO and Co-Founder of Spear AI. "This recognition reflects what we've believed from day one. We're solving the right problem, at the right time, for the people who need it most," said John McGunnigle, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Spear AI. BlueTIDE 2026, hosted by Polaris Tech Bridge, brought together a select group of finalists across multiple technical focus areas to demonstrate maritime defense technologies for the broader defense community in Newport. About Spear AI Spear AI specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions tailored for maritime defense and national security operations. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in Falmouth, MA; Groton, CT; and Duluth, MN, Spear AI develops advanced software platforms and integrated maritime sensor systems, and provides engineering support services and subject matter expertise. Spear AI was co-founded in 2021 by Navy veterans and is venture-backed by Cortical Ventures and Scare the Bear Capital. For more information, visit Spear.ai. SOURCE Spear AI

Intelligence360 News
Aug 11th, 2025
Spear AI Secures Seed Funding Round

Spear AI announced the completion of its seed funding round with investments from Scare the Bear Capital and Cortical Ventures. The funding will help expand Spear AI's product portfolio, scale its Horizon platform, and enhance maritime sensor capabilities. The company aims to accelerate delivery of AI solutions to defense and commercial partners, focusing on transforming maritime data into actionable intelligence.

Read Magazine
Jul 28th, 2025
Spear AI Secures Seed Funding from Scare the Bear Capital and Cortical Ventures to Accelerate Maritime AI Solutions and Expand Technical Services

Spear AI secures seed funding from Scare the Bear Capital and Cortical Ventures to accelerate maritime AI solutions and expand technical services.

Tekedia
Jul 27th, 2025
Navy Veterans' Startup Spear AI Raises $2.3M, Wins $6M Navy Contract to Revolutionize Underwater Surveillance with AI

In parallel, Spear AI announced a $2.3 million seed funding round backed by venture capital firms with a focus on artificial intelligence and national defense technologies.

TechStartups
Jul 25th, 2025
Spear AI raises $2.3M to bring AI-powered threat detection to U.S. Navy submarines

Spear AI, an AI startup based in Washington, has secured $2.3 million in its first outside funding round to accelerate its work decoding underwater sounds using artificial intelligence, Reuters reported.