Lead Backend Software Engineer

About Beacon AI

We’re a fast-moving team of aviators, engineers, and operators on a mission to transform aviation with an AI platform that makes flying safer, more efficient, and more capable. Backed by top investors and having already secured a dozen Department of Defense contracts and worked with three major airlines, we’re flying through barriers and working on a mission that matters.

At Beacon AI, there are no silos or layers of overhead. Small, focused teams own what they build, ship fast, and learn even faster. Every line of code, data pipeline, or system we design pushes the boundaries of how humans and AI work together in the cockpit and beyond. If you thrive at the intersection of hard-tech ambition and mission urgency, you’ll build faster here than anywhere else.

Role Overview

Beacon AI's traction is growing fast! We have completed 9 DOD contracts and currently have three active contracts with very significant milestones on deck for next year and are expanding our team with additional exceptional technical leaders.

We are seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer lead the development and optimization of our backend services and systems. This role requires technical leadership, ownership of complex initiatives, and the ability to deliver high-impact products end-to-end. The position focuses on designing, developing, and enhancing our serverless cloud infrastructure, APIs, and data pipelines, with an emphasis on reliability, scalability, and security. The ideal candidate embodies a startup mentality, thrives in ambiguous environments, and demonstrates a strong commitment to quality and ownership

At Beacon, you’ll lead by example, mentoring and growing a small team of talented engineers (typically initially 1–2 people) while staying hands-on in design and execution. You’ll help shape critical systems that advance aviation safety and autonomy, working alongside a team that values effort, creativity, and accountability.

If you’re the kind of engineer who loves solving hard problems, enjoys building things that truly matter, and finds a way to win no matter the challenge, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Technical Leadership: Set a high technical bar, mentoring other engineers, and contributing to team growth through hiring and project leadership.

• Backend Development: Architect, design, and optimize backend services and systems to ensure reliability and scalability for mission-critical applications.

• API Development and Management: Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable APIs for internal and external data integrations, including real-time data streaming and support for web/iPad applications.

• Database Management: Develop and maintain database schemas, queries, and processes, ensuring data integrity and optimal performance.

• Data Pipeline Construction: Build and optimize pipelines for efficient data ingestion, processing, and accessibility, ensuring high reliability and security.

• Performance Optimization: Analyze and improve system performance, ensuring responsiveness for applications dealing with time-series data and multimedia streams.

• Advanced Troubleshooting: Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex systems, ensuring high availability and reliability of cloud applications.

• End-to-End Ownership: Take ownership of specific product lines, milestones, or feature sets, driving initiatives forward from concept to delivery.

• Collaborative Innovation: Work closely with product management and cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions aligned with business goals.

What Will Make You Successful

• Extensive Backend Expertise: 5-9 years of experience as a Backend Developer, with a proven ability to design, implement, and optimize robust, distributed systems.

• Technical Excellence: Proven expertise in architecting secure, scalable, and reliable backend services using AWS and serverless technologies.

• Ownership Mentality: Strong ability to own initiatives, drive them from 0 to 1, and deliver end-to-end solutions with minimal supervision.

• Startup Mentality: Thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments, demonstrating a proactive and iterative approach to building high-quality products.

• High-Impact Contributor: Demonstrated ability to set a high technical bar and deliver substantial contributions to both product development and team success.

• Strong Work Ethic: Exceptional focus on output, consistently delivering high-quality work and driving milestones to completion.

• Data Engineering Expertise: Experience building and managing data pipelines, with strong proficiency in Python, Node.js, or similar languages.

• Leadership and Collaboration: Ability to mentor and guide team members while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams to refine solutions.

Bonus Points

• Experience with Big Data: Familiarity with tools and technologies like Hadoop, Spark, or other big data frameworks.

• Machine Learning Frameworks: Hands-on experience using ML approaches to derive insights from live or historical data.

• Aviation Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with aviation-related data challenges and applications.

• DevOps/DevSecOps Expertise: Background in automating and optimizing data workflows, with a focus on security and reliability.

Join Beacon AI to be at the forefront of innovation, driving the transformation of aviation technology and making a tangible impact on the future of flight.

This is a hybrid role and requires working from our San Carlos, CA office at least three days a week, with the option to work remotely the remaining days.

Perks & Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Enjoy peace of mind with our generous health benefits, with 80% of medical costs covered by the company for the employee and 25% for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off: Recharge and relax with 3 weeks of paid vacation, in addition to 13+ company-paid holidays each year.

• Connectivity Stipend: Stay connected with our cell phone benefit, ensuring you have the tools you need to excel in your role.

• Health and Wellness Allowance: Use this towards a gym membership or subscription to a meditation app, empowering you to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Financial Planning: Prepare for the future with our 401(k) program. While we currently do not offer matching, we are committed to enhancing this benefit in the future.

For nearly all roles, the following may apply:

At this time, due to United States Department of State regulations, we are only able to hire U.S. Persons. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident (U.S. citizen, legal immigrant with a 'Green Card', or a protected individual who has been granted permanent asylum or refugee status.) These aerospace restrictions mean that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. All work must be performed in the United States.

Beacon AI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, employer complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Employer expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.