Principal Engineer, Nondestructive Evaluation - Additive Manufacturing

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, Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, Ohio facility.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Engineer, Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of inspection and evaluation techniques for additively manufactured (AM) components. This role is critical in ensuring product integrity, safety, and performance through advanced nondestructive testing methods tailored to the unique challenges of AM. As a technical expert, you will work cross-functionally to integrate NDE into the production lifecycle, guide root cause investigations, and develop inspection standards that meet the demanding requirements of aerospace and high-performance applications. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of additive manufacturing quality assurance at scale.

What You'll Do...

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of advanced NDE techniques for additive components, with a focus on:
• • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) including Etch
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • X-ray and other advanced imaging methods
• Evaluate and validate NDE methods for detecting process-specific anomalies in complex AM geometries and materials
• Develop standards and procedures for nondestructive inspection of AM parts, ensuring consistency, repeatability, and compliance with aerospace or defense industry regulations
• Collaborate with design, materials, and manufacturing teams to ensure NDE methods are integrated into the product lifecycle from design through production
• Conduct and lead root cause analyses using nondestructive techniques to identify and resolve material or process-related defects
• Stay current on emerging NDE technologies and lead efforts to implement novel techniques or automation into inspection workflows
• Support qualification and certification of AM parts through detailed inspection documentation, data analysis, and interpretation of results
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in NDE methodologies, data interpretation, and best practices

You have...

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Science, Nondestructive Testing, or a related field
• Minimum 12 years of engineering experience, including 5+ years specifically in nondestructive evaluation for additive or advanced manufacturing
• Deep technical expertise in CT scanning, FPI, and other NDE techniques, especially as applied to complex, near-net-shaped or rough surfaces common in AM
• Strong understanding of inspection standards, defect characterization, and quality systems (e.g., AS9100, ISO 17025)
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts across functions and resolve complex inspection and material quality issues
• 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...

• Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in NDE, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Level II or III NDE certifications in CT, FPI, or UT (NAS 410 or equivalent)
• Experience with metal AM processes (e.g., DMLS, EBM, SLS)
• Familiarity with jet engine components or similarly high-reliability parts in aerospace/defense
• Hands-on experience with NDE tools and processes tools and data analysis software for NDE imaging
• Knowledge of additive-specific defect mechanisms and how to detect them using non-invasive techniques
• Experience with in-situ monitoring and data fusion for real-time quality assessment

Please note that this role requires working in proximity to equipment that may interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. If you have concerns about this, please reach out to discuss potential accommodations.

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. 

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. 

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