Sr. Principal Engineer - Controls

oshkoshcorporation; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Oshkosh AeroTech in Orlando, FL, is seeking a Sr Principal Engineer - Controls to lead the development, integration, and validation of JetDock controls for aircraft loaders. The role blends hands-on embedded software work with vehicle electrical system design and system-level troubleshooting.

Lead the architecture, selection of controllers and sensors, and cross‑functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and Field Service teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field with 8+ years of related experience.
• Hands-on embedded controller software development experience using Danfoss PLUS+1 OR CODESYS.
• Experience designing vehicle or mobile‑equipment electrical and control systems.
• Experience with CAN bus communication, vehicle controls architecture, and system‑level hardware/software troubleshooting.
• Experience leading complex controls engineering activities and providing technical guidance to other engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead JetDock controls development, integration, and validation across aircraft loader platforms.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot embedded controller software using Danfoss PLUS+1; apply CODESYS when applicable.
• Define system requirements and select controllers, sensors, displays, electrical components, and communication interfaces.
• Lead hardware/software integration across multiple loader models (diesel and electric).
• Develop common controller software approaches for maintainability and efficient updates.
• Integrate and troubleshoot LIDAR and sensors for aircraft detection and positioning.
• Develop and lead system test and validation plans including vehicle and field testing.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to other controls engineers.

Skills

Embedded controls leadership

Embedded software development

System architecture

CAN bus troubleshooting

Technical mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/ software/ mechanical engineering

Tools

Danfoss PLUS+1

CODESYS

LIDAR sensor integration

Job description

About Oshkosh AeroTech, an Oshkosh company

Oshkosh AeroTech 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 AeroTech 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®, JetAire®, JetPower®, AmpTekÔ, 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 JetDock autonomous docking system integrated into Oshkosh AeroTech's aircraft cargo loaders. JetDock 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.

YOUR IMPACT

• Lead technical execution and on‑time completion of complex JetDock 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 investigate applicable controls and sensing technologies; improve engineering methods, software reuse, validation processes, and product robustness.
• Deliver results according to Oshkosh and applicable industry engineering standards and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Regular attendance is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Accredited Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field with eight (8) or more years of related experience.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting embedded controller software using Danfoss PLUS+1 OR CODESYS.
• Experience designing vehicle or mobile‑equipment electrical and control systems, including selection and integration of controllers, sensors, and electrical components.
• Experience with CAN bus communication, vehicle controls architecture, and system‑level hardware/software troubleshooting.
• Experience leading complex controls engineering activities and providing technical guidance to other engineers.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field with ten (10) or more years of related experience; or master's degree in