Principal Analyst, Systems Performance and Aerothermal

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, Loveland, Ohio facility and can also be remote.

Role Overview

The Systems Performance Analyst will sit within our Advanced Technical Programs (ATP) organization, where teams work at the leading edge of technology development to solve complex problems and rapidly mature new propulsion concepts. This role will focus on engine and system performance analysis across early-stage architecture studies, cycle modeling, fluid system analysis, and test data interpretation.

The ideal candidate brings strong performance fundamentals, is fluent in Python, and can quickly work through design trade space using available cycle models and analytical tools. They should be comfortable evaluating engine architectures, modifying performance models, analyzing test data, and supporting 1D network modeling of fluid systems. This role is best suited for someone who is technically sharp, highly self-directed, and comfortable operating in ambiguity without requiring heavy oversight.

They should be able to work effectively with adjacent disciplines, including combustion, while applying sound engineering judgment to problems involving thermodynamics, operability, and system behavior. This is a hands-on analytical role for someone who enjoys moving quickly, solving real problems, and helping translate advanced concepts into viable propulsion solutions.

What You'll Do...

• Develop, adapt, and apply engine cycle and system performance models to evaluate advanced propulsion concepts and architecture trade space
• Use Python-based tools and available cycle models to rapidly explore design options, including high-Mach operating space and evolving system requirements
• Perform 1D performance calculations and support fluid system network modeling to assess system behavior, operability, and integration risks
• Analyze test data to evaluate engine and subsystem performance, identify issues, and inform design direction
• Support planning for component and system testing by helping define performance objectives, required data, instrumentation needs, and analysis approaches
• Work closely with mechanical design, combustion, and other engineering disciplines to evaluate system interactions and support balanced design decisions
• Contribute to early-stage concept development by translating ambiguous technical questions into structured analyses and actionable recommendations
• Communicate technical findings, risks, assumptions, and tradeoffs clearly to cross-functional stakeholders
• Document methods, models, analyses, and lessons learned in a way that supports broader engineering understanding and reuse

You have...

• Bachelor's degree
• 12 + years of experience in propulsion or gas turbine performance analysis
• Experience supporting propulsion development programs in early-stage or advanced development environments
• Experience working with experimental data, test planning, or performance validation activities
• Experience with thermodynamic cycle analysis, 1D calculations, and architecture trade studies
• Strong Python capability, including the ability to modify and use analytical models efficiently
• Experience analyzing test data and using results to guide technical decisions
• Ability to perform or support 1D network modeling of fluid systems
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, engine system behavior, and performance interactions across subsystems
• Familiarity with operability, transient behavior, and system-level performance considerations
• Comfort working with combustion-related concepts and cross-functional teams
• Ability to work effectively in loosely defined, fast-moving development environments
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to move work forward independently
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issues 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 NPSS or similar cycle modeling tools
• Exposure to advanced propulsion concepts, novel architectures, or rapid development programs
• Experience with additive manufacturing environments or hardware development teams

Working Style and Mindset

This role is well suited for someone who:

• Is first and foremost a doer
• Thrives in ambiguity and can make progress without excessive structure
• Can identify the real problem, not just the stated one
• Moves comfortably between analysis, trade studies, and practical engineering support
• Speaks up with ideas and objections when needed
• Works across a broad range of technical problems with speed and sound judgment

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 $190,000-$210,000 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.