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Role description

Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Beacon AI logoBeacon AI
TypeFull-time
WorkplaceHybrid
SenioritySenior
Salary$173,000–$225,000

Company info

Beacon AI logo

Beacon AI

Building R2-D2 for pilots: hardware-lite aviation AI for safer, more efficient flight

Beacon AI is building R2-D2 for pilots: an AI-powered teammate designed to help professional crews see what matters, anticipate risk and make better decisions. Our vision is an aviation sector free from human error. That is an ambitious long-term goal, but our path is practical: we are hyper-focused on developing assistance for professional pilots operating certified aircraft today, earning trust through testing and real-world evidence. We call this Autonomy 2.0. Rather than pursuing pilot replacement through major hardware retrofits, we focus on hardware-lite, software- and data-centric assistance that works alongside existing aircraft systems, with the crew in command. Murdock brings AI assistance into the cockpit. Lighthouse turns flight data into useful intelligence for crews, operators and safety teams. Together, they connect what happens in flight with what aviation can learn afterward. Our work spans applied AI, autonomy, edge computing, cloud platforms, human factors and sa

Private companySeries AEx-Scale AI foundersIn the newsAI-product
Location
San Carlos, CA
Posted9/22/2026
Engineering

About Beacon AI

We’re a fast-moving team of aviators, engineers, and operators building an AI platform to make flying safer, more efficient, and more capable. Backed by top investors, we’ve secured a dozen Department of Defense contracts and partnered with major airlines to deliver mission-critical systems. We operate without silos or heavy processes. Small, focused teams own what they build, ship quickly, and learn fast, pushing the boundaries of how humans and AI work together in aviation.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to join our team and help build the backend systems that power our flight safety platform. In this role, you will work closely with senior engineers and product partners to design, build, and maintain backend services, APIs, and data pipelines. You’ll contribute to production systems, grow your backend engineering skills, and play a meaningful role in supporting mission-critical, real-world applications.

What You’ll Do

  • Design, implement, and maintain backend services and APIs used by web and mobile applications.

  • Work with senior engineers to build reliable, scalable backend systems in production environments.

  • Integrate with internal and external data sources, including real-time and batch data pipelines.

  • Collaborate with product managers and cross-functional partners to deliver backend features that support user-facing functionality.

  • Participate in code reviews and follow established backend best practices and architectural patterns.

  • Help ensure system reliability, performance, and maintainability through testing, monitoring, and documentation.

What Will Make You Successful

  • 5+ years of experience building backend systems, or equivalent experience through internships, projects, or coursework.

  • Experience with at least one modern backend language such as Python or JavaScript/TypeScript (Node.js).

  • Familiarity with designing or consuming APIs and working with databases or data stores.

  • Exposure to production environments and an understanding of reliability, performance, and security fundamentals.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn from feedback and mentorship.

  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Bonus Points

  • Passion for aviation and a desire to improve air travel efficiency and safety.

  • Exposure to data pipelines, real-time data systems, or distributed systems concepts.

  • Interest in machine learning, data-intensive systems, or large-scale data processing.

  • Familiarity with cloud platforms, CI/CD workflows, or DevOps concepts.

Work Location
This is a hybrid role based in San Carlos, CA, with 3+ days per week onsite and the option to work remotely on remaining days.

Perks & Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

  • Healthcare: 100%* of employee medical premiums covered; 25% for dependents

  • Time Off: 3 weeks PTO plus 13+ paid company holidays

  • 401(k): Offered (no current employer match, but we are committed to enhancing this benefit in the future)

Due to U.S. export control regulations, we can only hire U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted asylum or refugee status). We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support visa transfers. All work must be performed in the United States.

Beacon AI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit harassment or discrimination of any kind in the workplace and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

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Founded2021
HQSan Carlos, United States
Size11–50 employees
IndustrySoftware Development
Latest fundingSeries A · Aug 21, 2024
News
  • Beacon AI says its Murdock box flew aboard three operational KC-46A Pegasus tankers for five flights and about 20 hours, reading the certified avionics buses and advising the crew without modifying flight-critical systems or taking control.
  • Exclusive: Beacon AI's pilot assistant takes flight with Air Force

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