Technical Operations Engineer

DS creates systems that power the next generation of radio spectrum intelligence. We collect radio data from all over the world, train neural networks to decipher it, and run them on the smallest chips we can. We’re solving a new, technically hard problem where nothing from other fields works out of the box, and along the way, we’ve built our own stack from scratch, including entirely new embedding model architectures, custom GPU kernels, and much more.

Joining DS means owning major parts of a fast-growing AI research organization, joining a collaborative, talent-dense team with decades of experience in probabilistic ML, accelerated computing, embedded systems, and signal theory, and growing your career in the areas that interest you. You’ll fit in if you want to come to work for the problem itself and don’t want to choose between technical rigor, business value, and real-world impact.

We work with high ownership and trust, and we do it together in the office 5 days/week.

THE ROLE

As a Technical Operations Engineer at Distributed Spectrum, you will combine radio domain expertise with engineering know-how to ensure our AI-driven sensing systems deliver reliable, actionable intelligence. You’ll analyze why RF events occur, evaluate the feasibility of customer requests, and apply radio-specific workflows and terminology to guide both operators and engineers. At the same time, you’ll leverage your engineering skills in networking, systems configuration, and troubleshooting to patch, update, and optimize sensors at the edge.

You will work across field operations and engineering, serving as a critical bridge between customer-facing deployments and the technical backend that keeps our systems operational.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Analyze and interpret classical RF and AI outputs from our systems, identifying root causes of anomalies and explaining why signals behave a certain way.
• Evaluate customer requests related to radio and signal workflows, advising on feasibility and translating technical constraints into clear feedback.
• Apply RF domain expertise, introducing correct terminology and workflows that strengthen internal and external communications.
• Deploy, configure, and troubleshoot sensors, including diving into the command line to patch devices and update configuration files.
• Ensure system networking health and performance, diagnosing issues in distributed environments.
• Support live deployments, from planning and setup through monitoring, troubleshooting, and post-mission reporting.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to feed real-world insights back into hardware, software, and AI model development.
• Document workflows and train internal teams, codifying best practices in technical operations.

WHO YOU ARE

• Experience in technical operations, systems engineering, or field support roles, ideally with RF or communications systems.
• Strong radio expertise: ability to analyze signals, assess customer workflows, and interpret system outputs with domain knowledge.
• Deep understanding of networking (TCP/IP, routing, VPNs, wireless protocols) and distributed systems.
• Proficient in Linux command line operations; able to patch sensors, update config files, and manage systems remotely.
• Strong troubleshooting, adaptability, and an edge-case mindset.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, comfortable with both technical teams and field operators.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work in diverse, sometimes austere, environments.
• Eligible for US security clearance.

NICE TO HAVE

• Military or government experience working with RF systems.
• Familiarity with tools for autonomous system integration.
• Experience with AI-informed, edge-deployed sensors or autonomy platforms.

WHY DISTRIBUTED SPECTRUM?

• Join early at a startup solving real-world RF detection challenges with cutting-edge AI.
• Work in a fast-moving, operator-focused culture where ideas move from concept to deployment in weeks not years.
• Be part of a team of cross-disciplinary problem solvers: visionaries, engineers, and field operators uniting on mission-critical impact.
• Benefit from a supportive workplace that values autonomy, collaboration, and direct impact.

WHO THRIVES AT DISTRIBUTED SPECTRUM

• Fast learners over specific backgrounds – We care more about how quickly you can pick up new skills than where you’ve worked before.
• Intellectual honesty – The right answer matters more than being right. You challenge assumptions, test ideas, and pivot when needed.
• Adaptability – We’re organized, but sometimes things change quickly. You find a way to make it work and balance short-term deliverables with long-term goals.
• Ownership of outcomes – You optimize your own time, focus on what matters to deliver quickly, and cut out inefficiencies.
• Not building in a vacuum – You stay connected to the rest of our teams and our customers to make sure all the pieces fit together.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Above-market salary, equity, and benefits package.
• Early Series A Equity
• Excellent health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match - up to 4% of your salary
• Flexible PTO
• Daily office lunches in NYC

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987.