Principal Process Engineer, MBJ
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 will be located at our Knoxville, Tennessee facility.
Role Overview
The Principal Additive Process Engineer serves as a recognized technical authority responsible for advancing Metal Binder Jet (MBJ) technology, materials, and production capabilities for critical aerospace and defense applications. This role provides expert-level leadership in additive manufacturing process development, metallurgy, and production scale-up while influencing technical strategy and manufacturing innovation. The Principal Additive Process Engineer drives solutions to complex technical challenges and establishes best practices that enable reliable, high-performance additive manufacturing operations.
What You’ll Do...
Serve as a technical authority for Metal Binder Jet additive manufacturing processes, materials development, and production readiness initiatives
Define technical strategies and roadmaps for additive manufacturing capabilities, process optimization, and production scalability
Establish and improve additive manufacturing standards, specifications, process controls, and technical documentation
Drive resolution of the most complex challenges related to powder metallurgy, laser-material interaction, melt pool behavior, thermal management, and part performance
Lead development of production-ready additive manufacturing processes including qualification, validation, and continuous improvement activities
Apply advanced expertise in metallurgy and additive manufacturing to optimize material properties, defect reduction, and manufacturing performance
Influence integration of MBJ into broader manufacturing workflows including post-processing, machining, inspection, and quality systems
Guide cross-functional engineering teams in solving complex technical problems and advancing additive manufacturing capabilities
Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across additive manufacturing initiatives
Support strategic decisions related to equipment capabilities, process improvements, and future manufacturing technologies
Represent additive manufacturing expertise in technical reviews with leadership, customers, suppliers, and industry partners
Perform other duties as assigned
You have...
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 12 years of experience in additive manufacturing, MBJ and/or CBJ process development, metallurgy, materials engineering, or related manufacturing disciplines
Extensive experience developing, optimizing, and scaling additive manufacturing processes for production applications
Demonstrated experience serving as a technical leader on complex engineering programs and manufacturing initiatives
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
Expert knowledge of MBJ and/or CBJ systems, additive manufacturing processes, and production implementation strategies
Deep understanding of powder metallurgy, material behavior, and thermal management
Advanced experience with process parameter development, powder characterization, defect analysis, and process optimization
Ability to establish technical direction and solve complex engineering challenges with significant organizational impact
Experience developing manufacturing standards, process specifications, and qualification strategies
Strong understanding of process control, experimental design (DOE), data analysis, and manufacturing validation methods
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts to technical and executive audiences
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and elevate technical capabilities within an organization
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...
Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or related field
Experience leading production MBJ and/or CBJ implementation for aerospace or defense applications
Experience with additional additive manufacturing technologies including EBM, DED, or binder jet
Familiarity with investment casting, machining, and hybrid manufacturing strategies
Experience leading additive manufacturing technology transitions from research and development through production scale-up
Experience contributing to patents, publications, technical presentations, or industry standards
Experience influencing manufacturing strategy, capital investments, and long-term technology roadmaps
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.
