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Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy & Robotics

Beacon AI

Beacon AI

Software Engineering
San Carlos, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 23, 2025

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

Beacon AI is seeking a highly experienced Staff Software Engineer to lead the development of robotic software and/or embedded systems capable of performing complex tasks in aviation environments. This role will drive the design, integration, testing, deployment, and maintenance of new software functionality in aircraft systems worldwide. As a Staff Engineer, you will set a high technical bar, taking ownership of mission-critical initiatives and delivering impactful solutions. The ideal candidate will bring a strong work ethic, deep technical expertise, and a passion for driving high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced, startup environment.

What You’ll Do

  • Leadership and Ownership: Take full ownership of critical product lines, milestones, or feature sets, driving projects from 0 to 1 and delivering high-quality solutions with minimal supervision.

  • Collaborative Development: Proactively collaborate with a distributed team to design and deliver advanced software features using modern middleware technologies.

  • High-Quality Code: Write, review, and maintain high-quality, extensible, well-documented code that meets stringent aviation standards.

  • System Integration: Lead the integration of diverse software and hardware components into a cohesive and reliable aviation pilot assistant system.

  • Performance Optimization: Drive the migration of existing Python code to C++ to enhance the performance and efficiency of edge devices.

  • Testing and Validation: Oversee the testing, validation, and deployment of software functionality, ensuring reliability, performance, and compliance with safety-critical practices.

  • Team Mentorship: Mentor and guide team members, fostering technical growth and collaboration within the team.

  • Advanced Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve complex issues in software and hardware systems, with a focus on scalability and reliability.

  • Agile Practices: Champion modern, agile, and secure software development practices to enhance engineering excellence.

What Will Make You Successful

  • Extensive Experience: 6-10+ years of experience designing and deploying robotic software and/or embedded systems in dynamic, high-impact environments.

  • Technical Expertise: Proven track record of working on components of robotic software stacks, such as perception, prediction, planning, or control modules.

  • Startup Mentality: Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and the ability to drive initiatives forward independently in a fast-paced startup environment.

  • Middleware Technologies: Deep expertise in Linux, RTOS, or middleware technologies like ROS and DDS.

  • Aviation Standards: Experience developing software that adheres to aviation industry standards and safety-critical coding practices.

  • Problem-Solving Ability: Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to resolve complex technical challenges with innovative solutions.

  • Work Ethic and Output Orientation: Displays a high level of commitment and productivity, taking pride in delivering impactful, end-to-end solutions.

  • Team Collaboration and Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Bonus Points

  • Passion for Aviation: Enthusiasm for advanced mobility and aviation technologies.

  • Mobility Solutions: Experience with self-driving mobility solutions, drone autopilot, motion planning, or related robotics challenges.

  • Machine Learning: Background in applying machine learning techniques to robotics or related fields.

  • Nvidia Devices: Familiarity with the Nvidia family of devices or similar platforms.

  • Embedded Systems: Hands-on experience with embedded systems, sensors, and driver development.

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.