Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
Backend engineering roles in SaaS become most interesting when the product is both data intensive and operationally consequential. This position sits at that intersection, supporting a platform that connects real-time and batch data flows to customer-facing applications. The company’s description also suggests an earlier-stage, delivery-oriented environment where backend choices quickly translate into production outcomes.
From a SaaS career perspective, the work maps well to durable backend fundamentals: API design, service reliability, performance tuning, and the practical tradeoffs of integrating multiple data sources. Exposure to production monitoring, testing, and documentation builds the operational discipline that distinguishes SaaS engineers who can run systems, not just build features. The domain focus on aviation and safety adds experience in higher-stakes requirements that can transfer to other regulated or mission-critical SaaS categories.
This role tends to suit engineers who want to deepen core backend craft while collaborating closely with product partners and senior engineers. It is a solid fit for someone comfortable learning through code review, iterating in production, and taking ownership of components within a small team. Candidates drawn to applied AI platforms and data-heavy architectures are likely to find the day-to-day problems aligned with their interests.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
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 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
2+ 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
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.
