Role Overview

The Director, AI & Digital Engineering will lead the company's enterprise-wide strategy for artificial intelligence, advanced computing, digital engineering, and manufacturing intelligence across aerospace design, production, and operations.

This leader will be responsible for co-building a scalable digital ecosystem that connects engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operational data into a unified digital thread capable of supporting real-time decision making, automation, and mission readiness.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in computer engineering, computer science, software architecture, AI/ML, and industrial systems with proven leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

This role will serve as a key strategic partner to executive leadership and will help shape the future architecture of Beehive's intelligent manufacturing and digital engineering capabilities

What You'll Do...

Strategic Leadership and Influence

• Partner to define and execute the company's AI, digital engineering, and advanced analytics strategy in alignment with Digital Office transformation objectives.

• Establish long-term architecture strategies connecting engineering systems, manufacturing operations, supply chain, and enterprise platforms.

• Champion and influence the use of AI/ML across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to drive competitive advantage.

• Lead enterprise digital transformation initiatives supporting scalable production, cost reduction, operational resilience, and accelerated product development.

• Drive adoption of AI-enabled decision systems across engineering, manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and operations.

• Identify emerging technologies and strategic partnerships that strengthen Beehive's competitive advantage.

• Present digital strategy, technical roadmaps, and operational outcomes to executive leadership and government stakeholders, as required.

Technical Delivery & Capability Development

• Serve as the technical authority for AI/ML systems, software engineering, data architecture, industrial connectivity, and digital platforms.

• Lead development of enterprise-grade AI and software systems supporting aerospace design, manufacturing execution, and operational intelligence.

• Define standards for cloud, edge, OT/IT integration, data governance, MLOps, cybersecurity, and software lifecycle management.

• Oversee development of scalable data pipelines and real-time manufacturing intelligence platforms.

• Guide implementation of digital twins, simulation environments, predictive analytics, and autonomous manufacturing capabilities.

Innovation & Delivery

• Partner with engineering and manufacturing leaders to connect design, test, quality, and production data into an integrated digital thread.

• Drive integration between ERP, MES, PLM, SCADA, and engineering systems into Foundry.

• Enable real-time visibility into production health, manufacturing performance, supply chain risk, engine test data and engine lifecycle data.

• Support AI-enabled optimization of scheduling, yield, quality, maintenance, and factory throughput.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense standards (NIST, DoD, FAA, ITAR).

• Partner with IT to manage intellectual property and data security considerations for sensitive defense and aerospace programs.

• Establish frameworks for responsible AI, model governance, explainability, and digital system validation in safety-critical applications.

You have...

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or related technical discipline.

• 12+ years of experience leading software engineering, AI/ML, digital engineering, or industrial technology organizations.

• Experience deploying enterprise-scale AI, analytics, or software systems in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or other safety-critical industries.

• Strong technical background in distributed systems, software architecture, cloud platforms, data engineering, and AI/ML systems.

• Experience integrating manufacturing systems including MES, ERP, PLM, SCADA, and industrial data platforms.

• Strong understanding of modern AI/ML frameworks, MLOps practices, and enterprise software delivery methodologies.

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional technical organizations and large-scale transformation initiatives.

• Experience operating in highly regulated environments requiring cybersecurity, traceability, and configuration control.

Nice to have...

• Background in aerospace engineering, flight systems, or manufacturing operations.

• Experience with digital thread ecosystems and integration into ERP/MES platforms.

• Government/DoD project engagement and compliance experience.

• Published research, patents, or thought leadership in ML/AI for aerospace.

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.