About Beacon AI

Beacon AI is developing AI pilot assistant technology to transform aviation, flight safety, operational efficiency, and pilot capabilities. We are on a mission to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to revolutionize the aviation industry. Join us to be at the cutting edge of technological innovation for the second century of aviation.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager, Infrastructure & Data to lead the teams responsible for Backend, Cloud Infrastructure, and Data. This role is pivotal in ensuring the scalability, reliability, and security of the systems powering Beacon AI’s flagship products: Murdock (an AI-powered pilot assistant) and Lighthouse (a flight management system and data platform).

In this role, you will oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of backend services, cloud infrastructure, and data pipelines that support mission-critical aviation systems. You’ll combine strategic leadership with hands-on technical contributions, maintaining a high technical bar while driving the execution of complex deliverables.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly technical leader who thrives in dynamic environments, takes ownership of initiatives from 0 to 1, and is motivated to build impactful systems that redefine the future of aviation.

What You’ll Do

• Team Leadership & Development: Build and manage a high-performing team across Backend, Infrastructure/DevOps, and Data, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.

• Hands-On Technical Leadership: Act as a highly technical contributor, directly engaging in coding, building, and troubleshooting backend systems, cloud infrastructure, and data pipelines.

• Backend System Oversight: Lead the design and maintenance of scalable, reliable, and secure backend services that power Beacon AI’s applications.

• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Architect and optimize cloud infrastructure using AWS and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools like AWS CDK to meet the needs of high-volume, mission-critical systems.

• Data Management & Pipelines: Oversee the development of robust data pipelines and storage systems, ensuring data is processed efficiently and remains secure, accessible, and compliant.

• IoT Infrastructure Support: Ensure seamless integration and performance of IoT systems interacting with backend and data platforms.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product and engineering leaders to align on technical strategy, define team priorities, and ensure timely delivery of initiatives.

• Execution Management: Own project execution, driving deliverables forward with minimal supervision while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

• Hiring & Mentorship: Lead hiring efforts for your team, set a high technical bar, and mentor engineers to foster professional growth and maintain technical excellence.

What Will Make You Successful

• Leadership Experience: 6–10+ years of technical expertise in Cloud Infrastructure, Backend, and/or Data, including at least 1 year as a frontline manager. Recent hands-on IC experience, coupled with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, is essential.

• Highly Technical Expertise: Deep experience with backend systems, cloud infrastructure, and data pipelines, with the ability to dive into the details and solve complex technical challenges.

• Execution-Oriented: Strong focus on driving projects to completion, managing complex deliverables, and maintaining a high standard of quality and performance.

• Strategic Vision: Ability to align technical strategy with company objectives while planning for long-term scalability and success.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communicator capable of aligning stakeholders, collaborating across teams, and keeping leadership informed.

• Problem Solving & Ownership: A proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in startup environments, resolves blockers, and takes full ownership of initiatives.

Bonus Points

• Serverless Expertise: Experience designing and implementing serverless architectures in AWS or similar environments.

• Big Data Knowledge: Familiarity with tools and platforms for managing and analyzing large datasets.

• Machine Learning: Background in applying ML techniques to optimize infrastructure or extract insights from data.

• Aviation Industry Knowledge: Understanding of aviation-specific challenges and requirements.

• DevOps/DevSecOps Expertise: Proven ability to automate and optimize workflows to enhance development velocity and security.

Join Beacon AI to be at the forefront of innovation, driving the transformation of aviation technology and making a tangible impact on the future of flight.

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 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.

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.