Software Engineer - Backend

About Beacon AI

Beacon AI is a dynamic and innovative team composed of aviators, engineers, and operators committed to advancing aviation safety, efficiency, and capabilities through artificial intelligence. Supported by leading investors, the company has secured multiple Department of Defense contracts and collaborations with major airlines to develop essential aviation systems. The company operates with lean teams focused on rapid development and continuous learning, fostering close human-AI collaboration in aviation.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Backend Software Engineer to contribute to the development of backend architecture powering our flight safety platform. This role involves close collaboration with senior engineering staff and product stakeholders to design, create, and sustain backend services, APIs, and data pipelines. The position offers a chance to work on real-world, mission-critical applications and enhance backend engineering expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage backend services and APIs that support both web and mobile applications.
• Collaborate with senior engineers in constructing reliable and scalable backend infrastructure for live production systems.
• Integrate with various internal and external data sources, including both real-time and batch processing pipelines.
• Work with product managers and cross-disciplinary teams to implement backend features driving user-facing functionality.
• Engage in code reviews, adhering to established backend best practices and architectural standards.
• Contribute to system robustness via testing, monitoring, and comprehensive documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in backend system development or comparable experience gained through internships, projects, or academic work.
• Proficiency in at least one modern backend programming language, such as Python or JavaScript/TypeScript (Node.js).
• Experience with API design and consumption, alongside database or data store management.
• Familiarity with production environment operations, emphasizing reliability, security, and performance principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities coupled with an openness to feedback and mentorship.
• Capability to thrive in collaborative, fast-paced settings.

Additional Preferred Attributes

• Interest in aviation and motivation to enhance air travel safety and efficiency.
• Exposure to data pipelines, real-time systems, or distributed computing concepts.
• Curiosity about machine learning, handling of large-scale data systems, or intensive data processing.
• Awareness of cloud platforms, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows, and DevOps methodologies.

Work Location

This position is hybrid and located in San Carlos, CA. Employees are required to be onsite at least three days per week with flexibility to work remotely on the remaining days.

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical coverage with full employee premiums paid and 25% coverage for dependents.
• Generous paid time off: three weeks of PTO plus over thirteen paid holidays annually.
• Monthly stipends for phone and wellness expenses.
• 401(k) plan available, though no employer matching at present; future enhancement anticipated.

Additional Information

Due to U.S. export control laws, only U.S. Persons (citizens, Green Card holders, lawful permanent residents, or individuals with asylum or refugee status) are eligible for employment. Visa sponsorship or transfers are not available, and work must be performed within the United States.

Beacon AI is committed to equal opportunity employment, maintaining a workplace free from discrimination or harassment across all protected characteristics, compliant with federal, state, and local laws.