Specter

Specter is building a software-defined control plane for the physical world. Our mission is to protect and empower American businesses by granting them ubiquitous perception over their physical assets. We're creating a connected hardware-software ecosystem built on multi-modal wireless mesh sensing technology, driving down the cost and time of deploying sensors by 10 . Ultimately, Specter's platform will serve as the perception engine for a company's physical footprint - enabling real-time perimeter visibility, autonomous operations management, and "digital twinning" of physical processes. Our founders, Xerxes Libsch and Philip Clark, are building a team of exceptional engineers from Anduril, Tesla, Uber, and the U.S. Special Forces who are redefining how machines sense and understand the physical world. The Role Specter is hiring a Lead RF Engineer to lead the design and development of our modular software-defined radio (SDR) architecture - the communications backbone for our distributed sensing network. You'll own end-to-end RF system design, from concept and architecture through prototyping, validation, and deployment. This includes architecting a scalable, high-bandwidth, long-range mesh communications layer connecting thousands of edge devices into a cohesive sensing fabric. As the RF lead, you'll define the company's radio strategy, establish our RF lab and test infrastructure, and grow a small, elite team capable of taking designs from benchtop prototypes to production hardware. Responsibilities Architect and develop Specter's modular SDR platform, integrating multi-node mesh networking with real-time software control. Define RF system and software requirements across transceiver, front-end, and antenna subsystems. Lead system-level trades to determine optimal network topology, frequency bands, and modulation schemes within software-defined constraints. Design and prototype analog front-end components (LNAs, PAs, filters, matching networks) with tight integration to digital baseband and firmware. Develop automated RF test infrastructure and validation workflows (VNA, spectrum analyzer, OTA testing) with software-driven test harnesses. Collaborate with firmware, networking, and cloud teams to integrate PHY-layer and OpenWRT-based mesh protocols into the broader control plane. Drive DFM, certification, and production-scale RF test automation. Preferred Background Led RF or communications system development from concept to production, including firmware and software integration. Deep experience with software-defined radios, analog/RF front-end design, and embedded networking systems ( Strong understanding of 802.11 physical layer protocols, OpenWRT, and real-time embedded Linux networking. Skilled with RF simulation and measurement tools (ADS, HFSS, MATLAB, VNA, spectrum analyzer) and software test automation. Experience bringing connected radio products through FCC certification, DVT, and production ramp. Hands-on, experimental mindset - fluent moving between low-level firmware, signal processing, and physical layer hardware.

A technology firm in San Francisco is seeking a Perception AI Engineer to transform sensor data into actionable insights. The successful candidate will implement deep-learning models, build data-collection platforms, and design user interfaces. Must have 5+ years of experience with computer vision and strong skills in C++/Rust. This role supports empowering businesses with real-time insights and operational efficiency enhancements.

A technology startup in San Francisco is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to lead the design and development of robust sensor systems. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in electronic hardware design, with skills in debugging and embedded systems. Responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams and owning the design of embedded controllers. The company emphasizes innovation and operates at the forefront of technology, making it a great opportunity for anyone passionate about advancing the field.

About Us Specter is creating a software-defined "control plane" for the physical world. We are starting with protecting American businesses by granting them ubiquitous perception over their physical assets. To do so, we are creating a connected hardware-software ecosystem on top of multi-modal wireless mesh sensing technology. This allows us to drive down the cost and time of deploying sensors by 10x. Our platform will ultimately become the perception engine for a company's physical footprint, enabling real-time perimeter visibility, autonomous operations management, and "digital twinning" of physical processes. Our co-founders Xerxes and Philip are passionate about empowering our partners in the fast approaching world of physical AI and robotics. We are a small, fast growing team who hail from Anduril, Tesla, Uber, and the U.S. Special Forces. The Role Specter is hiring tough, adaptable field engineers who can bridge hands on installation with technical troubleshooting. You'll make sure our systems go in clean, power up on the first try, and stay online-whether that's running conduit, aligning antennas, commissioning radios, or documenting installs for regulators. This role is for doers: people who like working outside, solving problems under pressure, and leaving behind work that's built to last. If you've worked in the military, trades, or other high consequence environments-and you want to bring that mindset into the frontier of technology-this is the place. Responsibilities Install and commission Specter systems in the field: power, radios, antennas, and enclosures Run clean electrical and network installs: conduit, grounding, labeling, weatherproofing. Troubleshoot end to end connectivity (power, network, RF) and deliver back crisp handover reports. Work with local authorities, utilities, and inspectors to secure permits and pass inspections. Maintain accurate as builts, documentation, and checklists; help refine playbooks so every install gets faster and better. Support pilots and field testing; provide feedback to engineering teams on hardware, software, and process improvements. Be ready for long days, remote work sites, and hard, physical work. Desired Extras 3+ years of hands on experience in one or more of: electrical work, telecom deployments, small cell/private LTE/5G, data center or industrial power systems, or equivalent high stakes fieldwork. Strong mechanical and electrical instincts; able to safely wire, mount, and power systems. Familiarity with radios, antennas, or networking gear (LTE/5G/CBRS a plus). Comfort working at heights, with lifts, and around heavy equipment. Clean safety record; disciplined with lockout/tagout, PPE, and RF safety. Strong communication skills-clear, professional, and direct with teammates, vendors, and regulators. Valid driver's license; comfortable traveling and working off hours when sites require. What We Offer A chance to build mission critical systems at the intersection of hardware, software, and operations. Work that blends field toughness with technical challenge. A small, elite team where your impact is direct and visible. Competitive compensation and benefits.

Company Background: Specter is creating a software-defined "control plane" for the physical world. We are starting with protecting American businesses by granting them ubiquitous perception over their physical assets. To do so, we are creating a connected hardware-software ecosystem on top of multi-modal wireless mesh sensing technology. This allows us to drive down the cost and time of deploying sensors by 10x. Our platform will ultimately become the perception engine for a company's physical footprint, enabling real-time perimeter visibility, autonomous operations management, and "digital twinning" of physical processes. Our co-founders Xerxes and Philip are passionate about empowering our partners in the fast approaching world of physical AI and robotics. We are a small, fast growing team who hail from Anduril, Tesla, Uber, and the U.S. Special Forces. Role + Responsibilities: Specter is hiring a perception AI engineer responsible for turning sensor data pipelines into actionable insights for our customers. Responsibilities include: Implementing and deploying a variety of deep-learning based vision, vision-language, and large language models to our world-class distributed perception system Building and scaling a production-grade data-collection, labelling, and model re-training platform Driving the design behind a multimodal software user interface Qualifications: 5+ years of experience training, implementing, and deploying deep-learning based computer vision models in tasks such as object detection, semantic segmentation, object tracking, etc. (both single and multi-frame) in frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorRT, and ONNX Experience fine-tuning, implementing, and deploying vision-language models and large language models in frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorRT-LLM, and ONNX Experience optimizing model runtimes utilizing techniques such as quantization, pruning, low-rank adaptation, etc. where appropriate Experience building production-grade RAG pipelines, and scaling vector databases in production Strong experience in C++/Rust development in embedded systems and knowledge of Linux fundamentals Strong knowledge of CUDA fundamentals Experience with image/video processing, filtering, and enhancement. Knowledge of various video codecs desirable. Experience with variety of sensor types such as EO and IR cameras Familiarity with Rust (or ability to come up the curve quickly!)

A tech company focused on hardware innovation is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to bridge hardware design and scalable production. This critical role involves collaborating with engineers for manufacturable and reliable products, managing inventory systems, and implementing quality processes. Candidates should have over 3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering and a strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles. This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of design and production in a fast-paced environment.

A cutting-edge technology firm is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to design and develop a modular software-defined radio architecture. You will oversee RF system design and establish an RF lab, while leading a skilled team to prototype and deploy innovative hardware. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in RF communications and software integration. Join us to empower businesses with advanced distributed sensing technology in San Francisco.

A leading technology company in San Francisco is looking for adaptable field engineers to install and troubleshoot innovative systems. This role combines outdoor work and technical challenges, making it ideal for those with experience in high-stakes environments like military or trades. You'll contribute to cutting-edge technology while ensuring systems run smoothly and meet regulatory requirements. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered as part of this mission-driven opportunity.