Backend Software Engineer – Early Career

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

We’re looking for a Backend Engineer to help design, build, and maintain our backend systems. You’ll contribute to the development of serverless cloud infrastructure, support real-time data processing, and collaborate closely with engineers and product teammates. This role is perfect for someone early in their career who thrives in a fast-paced, product-driven environment and is eager to learn while building meaningful technology from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Backend Development: Contribute to the development and maintenance of scalable backend services with an emphasis on performance, reliability, and testability.

• API Design: Support the design and development of APIs that support internal tools and external applications, including real-time data streaming from aircraft systems.

• Database Management: Assist in developing database schemas and queries to support application functionality and data integrity.

• Data Pipelines: Help build and maintain data pipelines that process and store aircraft data efficiently and reliably.

• Monitoring & Debugging: Participate in diagnosing production issues, learning observability best practices, and supporting system uptime.

• Performance Tuning: Contribute to optimizing backend performance, particularly for systems working with time series or streaming data.

What Will Make You Successful

• 0-3 years of experience working on backend systems (internships, projects, or early professional work welcome)

• Familiarity with programming languages such as Node.js and Python.

• Basic understanding of APIs, databases, and cloud infrastructure (AWS preferred).

• Eagerness to learn from senior engineers and apply feedback quickly.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills; works well in a team environment.

• Excitement to work in a fast-paced startup with evolving requirements and priorities.

Bonus Points

• Familiarity with analytics or data visualization tools.

• Interest or experience in aviation, aerospace, or transportation systems.

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 14 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.