Lead Engineer, Systems

Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defenseby 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 will be located at our Centennial, Colorado facility.

Role Overview

The Lead Engineer, Engine Systems provides on-site engineering support of our gas turbine engine assembly operations and associated test activities. This role ensures robust assembly processes, enforces process rigor, and maintains clear traceability and documentation throughout production. The Lead Engineer drives proactive problem solving, root cause analysis, and continuous process improvement to deliver high-quality, reliable engines and components to program requirements.

What You’ll Do...

· Lead and oversee gas turbine engine and component assembly operations to ensure adherence to engineering requirements, process standards, and regulatory criteria.

· Champion process rigor and drive implementation of best practices for assembly process control and documentation.

· Establish and maintain process traceability, ensuring all assembly steps are documented, verified, and readily auditable.

· Lead root cause investigations for assembly nonconformances and implement corrective and preventive actions.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives targeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost effectiveness in assembly and test operations.

· Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and test teams to resolve technical challenges and ensure seamless transition from assembly to test operations.

· Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and configuration control for assembly operations.

· Provide engineering oversight and technical support for engine production test operations, including troubleshooting, data review, and test readiness.

· Participate in technical assessments related to assembly and test.

· Mentor and provide technical guidance to manufacturing engineering teams, technicians, and specialists.

· Interface with suppliers, customers, and inspectors to resolve production and quality issues as required.

· Ensure production assembly operations comply with company policies, quality management systems, and regulatory/industry standards.

· Other duties as assigned

You have...

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited university or college

Experience

· 8 years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 6 years with a Master’s degree, or a PhD with 3 years of experience, or equivalent work experience

· Significant experience in gas turbine, aerospace, or complex mechanical assembly operations, with a strong focus on manufacturing, production, or test environments

Skills & Competencies

· Understanding of gas turbine engines, turbomachinery design, and aerospace propulsion systems

· Ability to lead complex technical problem solving and drive engineering decisions

· Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical information

· Strong understanding of engineering documentation, requirements management, and configuration control practices

· 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 with aviation gas turbine product development and certification programs

· Experience in process engineering, process improvement, and root cause analysis (such as Six Sigma, Lean, 8D, or equivalent methodologies)

· Experience supporting expendable engine systems or defense applications

· Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

· Experience advancing disruptive design and manufacturing technologies

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 $180,000-$202,500 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.