Software Engineer, Advanced Pilot Assistant Software (Autonomy/Robotics)

Beacon AI; San Carlos (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% coverage of employee medical premiums

3 weeks PTO plus 13+ paid holidays

Monthly phone and wellness stipends

401(k) plan offered

Job summary

Beacon AI is seeking a Software Engineer to design and build advanced pilot assistance software for safety-critical aviation environments. This hybrid role involves developing autonomy, robotics, and embedded systems, contributing hands-on across the stack.

The ideal candidate will have experience in writing production-quality code in Python and/or C++, and familiarity with real-time systems. The position offers competitive compensation between $135K and $190K plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience designing or building robotic software and/or embedded systems.
• Production-quality code writing in C++ and/or Python.
• Familiarity with real-time or interactive decision-support systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy software components for pilot assistance systems.
• Contribute to autonomy-related features from development through deployment.
• Integrate software with hardware to support decision-making.

Skills

Robotic software design

Embedded systems

Python

C++

Real-time systems

Tools

ROS

DDS

Job description

Location

San Carlos - Hybrid

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Engineering Edge Compute/Artificial Intelligence Autonomy & Robotics

Compensation

• $135K – $190K • Offers Equity • The base salary range listed reflects the full scope of this position, which is open to multiple levels (L3–L4), and is informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual offer will be determined based on the candidate's experience, background, and the level at which they are hired.

We use clear benchmarks to provide fair salaries and meaningful equity, ensuring compensation aligns with your skills and contributions. Beacon is financially healthy, well-funded, and ready to reward those who help achieve our ambitious goals. We use Pave to keep up to date with market pay rates and make proactive adjustments.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Software Engineer to help design and build the advanced pilot assistance software that supports our flight safety platform. In this role, you will develop and deploy autonomy, robotics, and embedded systems that operate in real-world, safety-critical aviation environments. You will contribute hands‑on across the stack, working closely with senior engineers to deliver reliable systems that support time‑sensitive decision‑making for human operators.

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and deploy robotic and embedded software components used in advanced pilot assistance systems.
• Contribute to autonomy‑related features or subsystems from development through deployment, with a focus on reliability and performance.
• Write, test, and maintain high‑quality Python and/or C++ code across autonomy, systems, and embedded components.
• Integrate software with hardware, sensors, and perception or data ingestion pipelines to support autonomous and operator‑in‑the‑loop decision‑making.
• Help optimize software for edge compute environments, including managing latency and resource usage.
• Participate in testing, validation, and deployment efforts to ensure systems meet safety‑critical and mission‑critical requirements.
• Collaborate in design reviews, code reviews, and hands‑on development with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams.

What Will Make You Successful

• 2+ years of experience designing or building robotic software and/or embedded systems, or equivalent experience through projects, internships, or coursework.
• Experience writing production‑quality code in C++ and/or Python.
• Familiarity with real‑time or interactive systems that support users making time‑sensitive decisions.
• Exposure to autonomy‑related systems such as planning, decision‑making, or reasoning, and working with sensor or perception pipelines.
• Some experience working with embedded or edge compute platforms and debugging hardware/software interactions.
• Ability to learn quickly and contribute effectively in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments.

Bonus Points

• Experience working on safety‑critical or mission‑critical systems, including aviation or robotics domains.
• Exposure to robot operating systems or middleware such as ROS or DDS.
• Interest in human‑in‑the‑loop systems, simulation environments, or real‑time control systems.
• Background or strong interest in autonomy, robotics, or advanced mobility.

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.

Compensation Range: $135K - $190K