Sr. Principal Engineer - Controls

About Oshkosh Aero Tech, an Oshkosh company

Oshkosh Aero Tech is a leading provider of aviation ground support products, gate equipment and airport services to commercial airlines, airports, air‑freight carriers, ground handling and military customers. Oshkosh Aero Tech offers products that make a difference in people's lives by supporting those in our communities who do some of the toughest work. They own many of the most trusted brands in the air transportation industry, including LEKTRO®, Jet Aire®, Jet Power®, Amp TekÔ, Jetway®, and more.

The Sr Principal Engineer - Controls leads the development, integration, and validation of complex vehicle electrical and control systems, with primary responsibility for the Jet Dock autonomous docking system integrated into Oshkosh Aero Tech's aircraft cargo loaders. Jet Dock uses sensors, including LIDAR, and vehicle controls to detect aircraft cargo doors and automatically position and align cargo loaders with the aircraft.

This role combines hands‑on embedded controller software development with vehicle electrical system design, system‑level troubleshooting, and technical leadership. The engineer establishes controls requirements and architecture, selects and integrates electrical components, develops and validates controller software, and provides technical guidance to other engineers across multiple aircraft loader platforms. Knowledge of LIDAR technology and autonomous control concepts is essential to supporting these activities, while the position remains fundamentally focused on vehicle controls engineering.

• Lead technical execution and on‑time completion of complex Jet Dock controls development, integration, and validation projects across aircraft loader platforms.
• Personally develop, modify, troubleshoot, and validate embedded controller software using Danfoss PLUS+1; apply relevant CODESYS experience where applicable.
• Develop vehicle electrical and controls architectures; define system requirements and select controllers, sensors, displays, electrical components, and communication interfaces.
• Lead hardware and software integration into multiple aircraft loader models, including diesel and electric configurations, while accounting for platform‑specific requirements.
• Develop and maintain common controller software approaches and configurable parameters where practical to support consistency, maintainability, and efficient updates.
• Integrate and troubleshoot LIDAR and other sensors used in aircraft detection, positioning, and automated vehicle functions.
• Develop and lead system test and validation plans, including controlled‑environment testing, vehicle testing, customer‑site validation, and production implementation.
• Perform complex system‑level investigations and root‑cause analysis involving software, electrical hardware, CAN communications, sensors, and vehicle behavior; implement and verify corrective actions.
• Provide technical direction to other controls engineers; assign and prioritize technical activities, review engineering work, and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Direct electrical designers and collaborate with mechanical engineers on component installation, sensor placement, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Manage multiple technical priorities and controls project schedules; support resource planning, estimates, risk assessment, and communication of project status to management.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering, manufacturing, quality, and Field Service teams to resolve integration and performance issues.
• Provide remote and on‑site technical support for field integration and validation, including collaboration with international teams and customer representatives as required.
• Independently…