Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy & Robotics

As a Senior Software Engineer at Beacon AI, your responsibilities will include collaborative development with a distributed team, writing high-quality and well-documented code, identifying security vulnerabilities, conducting thorough testing and validation of software functionality, and mentoring new hires. You'll also lead the migration of existing Python code to C++, ensuring the performance and efficiency of our edge devices.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer position at Beacon AI, candidates should have a technical degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with extensive experience in robotic software stacks and middleware technologies. Strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with aviation industry standards, and excellent communication skills are also essential.

The work culture for a Senior Software Engineer at Beacon AI is collaborative and innovative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Employees thrive in a fast-paced startup environment that encourages independence and promotes modern agile practices. You will find a diverse group of talented individuals who are passionate about using advanced technologies to enhance aviation safety and performance.

A Senior Software Engineer at Beacon AI should be familiar with Linux or RTOS, middleware technologies such as ROS and DDS, and experience with programming languages such as Python and C++. Familiarity with machine learning, robotics, and experience with Nvidia devices will also be advantageous.

Yes, the Senior Software Engineer role at Beacon AI is a hybrid position, requiring you to work from our San Carlos office at least three days a week. This structure allows for collaboration in person while providing the flexibility of remote work on other days.

At Beacon AI, Senior Software Engineers have ample opportunities for career development, including mentorship roles, skills advancement through hands-on projects, and participation in training programs. Furthermore, working alongside experienced engineers offers invaluable learning experiences and the chance to lead innovative initiatives.

Beacon AI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous healthcare coverage with an upcoming increase, three weeks of paid vacation along with 14 holidays, a connectivity stipend for cell phone use, a health and wellness allowance, and a 401(k) program aimed at enhancing future financial security.

In preparing for this question, focus on sharing specific projects where you utilized middleware technologies such as ROS or DDS. Highlight your role in those projects, the challenges encountered, and how you effectively solved them to showcase your technical expertise.

Discuss your approach to staying updated on aviation industry standards and best practices, such as regularly reviewing FAA guidelines, engaging in collaborative discussions with peers, and how you apply this knowledge during the software development process, including testing and validation.

Choose a relevant challenge and outline the situation clearly. Discuss your analytical process, including the tools and techniques used to diagnose the issue, and how you implemented a solution. Emphasize the positive outcomes and lessons learned from that experience.

Answer this by detailing your methodology for integration, such as starting with clear architectural designs, defining interfaces between components, testing integration thoroughly, and continuously refining processes based on feedback from stakeholders and users.

Share specific examples of how you have identified and mitigated security vulnerabilities in past projects, detailing your approach to coding securely, conducting code reviews, and emphasizing the importance of security in all phases of development.

Discuss your approach to mentorship, providing an example of a colleague or a new hire you helped. Detail the challenges they faced, how you supported them in overcoming those challenges, and the improvements you observed as a result.

Reflect on your experience with Python, C++, or relevant languages, discussing specific projects where these languages were utilized. Highlight any significant contributions you've made, particularly focusing on performance improvements or system efficiencies.

Talk about your practices in writing clear, concise documentation and comments in code. Include examples of tools you use for code documentation, peer-review processes, and the importance of maintainability for future developers.

This is an opportunity to show your passion for aviation and advanced mobility technologies. Discuss your motivation for joining Beacon AI and how it aligns with your personal and professional goals, particularly around safety and innovation.

Share your experiences related to robotic software stack development, including specific modules you've worked on (Perception, Planning, Control). Highlight your knowledge of best practices in robotics and how you envision contributing to the projects at Beacon AI.