Lead Backend Software Engineer

About the role

You own the backend systems that keep this aviation platform reliable. You translate flight safety requirements into secure, scalable systems using Python and JavaScript. This role suits an operator who ships working solutions without waiting for perfect conditions.

Key facts

What you'll do

Architecting backend architectures that handle real-time and multimedia data demands.

Implementing secure APIs for web and mobile clients alongside streaming integrations.

Establishing data pipelines for efficient time-series and multimedia ingestion.

Guaranteeing backend reliability, performance, and scalability in production.

Leading technical design sessions and shaping architectural decisions with peers.

Resolving complex cloud infrastructure issues to maintain high availability around the clock.

Driving backend features from initial concept through delivery with partners.

Collaborating closely with product teams to turn flight safety requirements into working systems.

Requirements

You must have five years designing backend services, APIs, and distributed systems in production.

You must write Python and JavaScript/TypeScript code for modern backend services.

You must build, scale, and operate backend infrastructure that handles demanding workloads.

You must drive features from design through deployment with strong ownership.

You must function effectively in evolving environments while upholding quality standards.

You must create or work with data pipelines handling large-scale or real-time information.

Nice to have

Aviation passion aimed at improving air travel efficiency and safety.

Familiarity with machine learning workflows or data-intensive systems.

Experience with big data tools or large-scale processing frameworks.

Background in DevOps or DevSecOps for automating infrastructure and reliability.

Skills & tools

Python; JavaScript/TypeScript; Distributed Systems.

Practical notes

About Beacon AI

We are 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 have 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.

We are seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to design, build, and scale the backend systems that power our flight safety platform. In this role, you will take ownership of backend services, APIs, and data pipelines, balancing hands-on development with technical leadership. You'll work closely with product and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable systems that support mission-critical, real-world applications.

What You'll Do

• Architect, build, and maintain backend services and distributed systems that support mission-critical applications.
• Design and implement secure, scalable APIs for internal and external integrations, including real-time data streaming and support for web and mobile clients.
• Build and optimize data pipelines for efficient ingestion, processing, and access to time-series and multimedia data.
• Own backend system reliability, performance, and scalability in production environments.
• Lead technical design discussions and contribute to code reviews and architectural decisions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend and cloud infrastructure issues to ensure high availability.
• Take ownership of backend features or systems from concept through delivery, working closely with product and cross-functional partners.

What Will Make You Successful

• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing backend services, APIs, and distributed systems in production environments.
• Fluency in modern backend languages such as Python and JavaScript/TypeScript (Node.js http://node.js).
• Proven experience building, scaling, and operating backend infrastructure.
• Strong ownership mindset, with experience driving end-to-end systems and features from design through deployment.
• Ability to operate effectively in evolving environments while maintaining high standards for quality and reliability.
• Experience building or working with data pipelines and backend systems handling large-scale or real-time data.

Bonus Points

• Passion for aviation and a desire to improve air travel efficiency and safety.
• Familiarity with machine learning workflows or data-intensive systems.
• Experience working with big data tools or large-scale data processing frameworks.
• Background in DevOps or DevSecOps, including automating infrastructure and improving system reliability and security.

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
• Stipends: Monthly phone and wellness benefits
• 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.