Lead Engineer, Controls Software

Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defense by revolutionizing the design, development, and delivery of jet propulsion systems to support the warfighter. Through the integration of additive manufacturing, the company aims to meet the growing and urgent needs for unmanned aerial defense by dramatically improving a jet engine’s speed to market, fuel efficiency, and cost.  

Founded in 2020, the company is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, with additional facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee, Loveland Ohio, and Mount Vernon, Ohio. Beehive is committed to grow and advance the defense industrial base while manufacturing exclusively in the USA. This role can be located at our Centennial, Colorado or Cincinnati, Ohio facility.

Role Overview

The Lead Engineer, Controls Software is responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of gas turbine engine control software and associated control system hardware for advanced aerospace applications. This role serves as a technical contributor responsible for developing control solutions, optimizing system performance, and supporting engine testing and qualification activities. The Senior Controls Software Engineer works closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver robust engine control systems while advancing technologies that enable next-generation propulsion systems.

What You’ll Do...

• • Design, develop, and validate engine control software, control logic, and simulation models for gas turbine engine applications
• • Develop and maintain software requirements, functional models, control architectures, and configuration-controlled engineering documentation
• • Perform control system analysis, including dynamic modeling, stability analysis, and control law tuning in the time and frequency domains
• • Develop and execute software verification and validation activities using simulation tools, test vectors, and engine/component test data
• • Support development and integration of electronic engine control (EEC) and full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems
• • Design, integrate, and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation environments
• • Analyze engine test results and control system performance data to identify issues and drive improvements
• • Support development and testing of engine control hardware including sensors, actuators, pumps, and auxiliary control components
• • Collaborate with Performance, Systems, Mechanical, Aero, Materials, Manufacturing, and Test Engineering teams to optimize overall engine performance
• • Lead technical activities during engine or component test programs, including test planning, instrumentation requirements, and data analysis
• • Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations related to engine control system development
• • Support integration of additive manufacturing technologies into engine design and control system development efforts
• • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on controls software development practices
• • Perform other duties as assigned

You have...

Education

• • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• • Minimum of 8 years of experience in controls engineering, embedded software, aerospace systems, propulsion systems, or related engineering disciplines
• • Demonstrated experience developing, testing, or validating control system software and models
• • Experience supporting complex engineering development programs and cross-functional technical activities

Skills & Competencies

• • Strong understanding of control systems theory, dynamic modeling, and feedback control design
• • Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, or similar modeling and simulation environments
• • Experience with control law development, tuning, stability analysis, and system performance evaluation
• • Working knowledge of embedded software development and real-time control systems
• • Experience with software verification, validation, and configuration-controlled engineering processes
• • Ability to analyze complex test data and resolve technical issues through structured problem solving
• • Strong understanding of engine control system architecture, sensors, actuators, and subsystem integration
• • Ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines
• • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document and present technical findings
• • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice to have...

• • Experience developing electronic engine control (EEC) or full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems
• • Experience with gas turbine engines, propulsion systems, or aerospace control applications
• • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), or engine test cell environments
• • Experience with embedded programming in C, C++, or similar languages
• • Experience with control system identification, optimization, or advanced control techniques
• • Familiarity with additive manufacturing technologies and design for additive manufacturing principles
• • Experience supporting aerospace certification, qualification, or regulated development processes
• • Knowledge of engine performance, operability, transient response, and propulsion system integration challenge

If this sounds like you, please submit an application with your resume. This could be the opportunity you are looking for to expand your skills, contribute to a winning team, and work with talented people who love what they do and take pride in our mission. 

In compliance with Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the salary range for this position is $150,000-$185,000 base salary.  Please note that wage information is a general guideline only, and we will consider factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and market conditions when extending an offer.  

Beehive Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at Beehive Industries is bonus eligible and will also receive equity in the company.

Beehive Industries is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.