Join a high-performance team of aviators and engineers building mission-critical AI platforms to revolutionize flight safety. As a lead backend engineer, you will architect scalable distributed systems and real-time data pipelines that directly influence pilot safety. You'll own features from concept to deployment in a fast-moving, hybrid environment based in San Carlos.
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Lead Backend Software Engineer at Beacon AI Inc.
Are you ready to build the future of flight? This well-funded aviation AI startup is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to architect mission-critical systems that save lives. If you have 5+ years of experience with Python/Node.js and a passion for building scalable distributed systems, this hybrid San Carlos role offers the chance to lead groundbreaking technology development with 100% covered medical premiums and significant equity.
About this role
Role overview
About the company
Beacon AI Inc.
Pilot assistance AI and autonomy technology20-30 employees
Beacon AI builds AI-powered pilot assistance systems for commercial and defense aviation. Their hardware-lite platform integrates flight data, intelligent tools, and analytics to deliver real-time cockpit support. Led by former military pilots and autonomous vehicle engineers, the company focuses on augmenting, not replacing, pilots to improve safety, reduce workload, and optimize fleet operations.
What you'll do
What you will do
- Architect, build, and maintain mission-critical backend services and distributed systems using Python and Node.js.
- Design and implement secure, scalable APIs and real-time data streaming pipelines for internal and external integrations.
- Lead technical design discussions and code reviews while troubleshooting complex cloud infrastructure to ensure high availability.
Who you are
Who this is a fit for
- Possesses 5+ years of experience designing and scaling backend services and APIs in production-grade environments.
- Demonstrates fluency in modern backend languages including Python and JavaScript/TypeScript (Node.js) with a strong ownership mindset.
- Meets U.S. export control requirements as a U.S. Person (Citizen or Green Card holder) due to sensitive defense contracts.
Why this role
Why this role is remarkable
- Work on technology that saves lives by transforming how pilots interact with aircraft and enhancing flight operational efficiency.
- Join a financially healthy startup with a dozen Department of Defense contracts and major airline partnerships already in place.
- Enjoy a high-impact, low-silo environment with 100% covered medical premiums and a modern tech stack focused on shipping quickly.
Jack & Jill
How Jack & Jill work together
I get to know what you’re great at, then find roles you’d never find yourself.Ok, I'll go first. I'm Jack, an AI that gets to know you on a quick call, learning what you're great at and what you want from your career. Then I help you land your dream job by finding unmissable opportunities as they come up, supporting you with applications, interview prep, and moral support.
I recruit from Jack’s network and make the intro when I spot a great match.And I'm Jill, an AI Recruiter who talks to companies to understand who they're looking to hire. Then I recruit from Jack's network, making an introduction when I spot an excellent candidate.
Meet Jack
Jack gets to know what you're great at and what you want next, then searches 15 million jobs daily and helps you discover roles at companies like this.
How does this work?
Jack’s an AI agent for job searching and career coaching. He works for you.
Jill is the AI recruiter working for the company. She recruits from Jack’s network.
If it’s a match and the company wants to meet you, they’ll make the intro. In the meantime, if you’d like, Jack will send you excellent alternatives.