Lead Software Engineer, Frontend/Web App

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 are seeking an accomplished and self-motivated Lead Web App Engineer who can bring leadership, technical excellence, and a strategic mindset to our team. As a Staff Engineer, you will drive the development of innovative frontend interfaces that integrate with our advanced flight safety system. You will play a pivotal role in building a critical web application that allows users to interact with aviation data and derive actionable insights, directly contributing to the advancement of flight safety and operational efficiency. Your ability to take ownership of initiatives, set high technical standards, and collaborate effectively across teams will ensure the delivery of impactful solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Feature Development: Lead the design and implementation of new features and enhancements for a web application built in React.

• Data Integration: Architect and handle data from multiple sources, including live and archived streams, to enable seamless user experiences.

• System Design: Design robust systems to efficiently handle large-scale data and build efficient, custom components tailored to user needs.

• Technical Leadership: Provide mentorship and guidance to the engineering team, driving best practices through code reviews and architectural discussions.

• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including backend engineers, product managers, and UX/UI designers, to make informed design and implementation decisions.

• Third-Party Libraries: Integrate popular third-party libraries to enhance application functionality and streamline development.

• UX/UI Implementation: Partner with UX/UI designers to ensure the delivery of consistent, intuitive, and user-friendly interfaces.

• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation to catalog solutions and practices within the frontend technology stack.

• Data Streaming: Design and implement solutions for live-streaming and playback features, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: Develop and maintain robust automated test coverage to ensure high-quality application functionality.

• Reusable Components: Build reusable code and libraries to accelerate future development efforts.

What Will Make You Successful

• Proven Frontend Expertise: 6-10+ years of experience building and deploying high-performance web applications with user-facing features.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of frontend technologies, including JavaScript, ES6, React, and TypeScript.

• Web Development Skills: Expertise in HTML5, CSS3, and CSS pre-processing platforms such as SCSS, SASS, or LESS.

• Asynchronous Programming: Strong understanding of asynchronous request handling, partial page updates, and tools like Axios.

• Data Handling: Proficiency in managing and visualizing data streams efficiently.

• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to take ownership of product lines, milestones, or feature sets and drive them forward with minimal supervision.

• Startup Mentality: Embody a proactive and resourceful mindset, taking initiatives from concept to implementation.

• High Technical Bar: Consistently set and uphold rigorous technical standards, contributing to hiring decisions and mentoring team members.

• Performance Optimization: Skill in analyzing and optimizing system performance for scalability and responsiveness.

• Work Ethic: Strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions.

Bonus Points

• Aviation Enthusiasm: Passion for aviation and a desire to improve air-travel efficiency and safety.

• Geo-Mapping Tools: Experience with online geo-mapping tools such as MapBox or Cesium.

• Streaming Expertise: Deep knowledge of live data streaming and playback solutions.

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 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 13+ 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.