# Lead Backend Software Engineer

**Company:** [Beacon AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/beacon-ai)
**Location:** San Carlos, CA
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $185k – $260k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, APIs, Distributed Systems, Data Pipelines, AWS, DevOps, Machine Learning
**Posted:** 2026-07-27

> Lead the design, development, and scaling of backend services, APIs, and data pipelines for Beacon AI's mission-critical flight safety platform. Requires 5+ years building production backend systems with Python and Node.js, plus strong ownership in fast-paced environments.

## Job Description

## 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).
- 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.

## 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).

## Similar roles

- [Senior Software Engineer, Connectors](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/bce46ad5-88f8-4d3d-8088-1a4754a244d4) - Starburst - Boston, MA - $185k – $215k/yr
- [Senior Software Engineer, Cloudflare Queues](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/747cc0fd-2714-4d27-bf9f-91916008ab2e) - Cloudflare - New York, NY - $185k – $254k/yr
- [Senior Software Engineer , Mortgage](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/e1c33250-2978-4dbd-8111-613bcad42d89) - Checkr - San Francisco, CA - $185k – $218k/yr
- [Senior Software Engineer](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/83eb506a-3d3b-443c-ac47-fd218cf6af6a) - Counsel Health - New York, NY - $185k – $225k/yr
- [Senior Software Engineer](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/0c3860cd-6bb7-41a0-9ba4-e25e93af0cef) - AiPrise - San Jose, CA - $185k – $230k/yr

**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/f8abd4bc-9f6e-4d5b-95ca-0ec85bf39e6b
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/f8abd4bc-9f6e-4d5b-95ca-0ec85bf39e6b