R&D Engineer

Team: Canopy Technologies

Location: Littleton, Colorado

Commitment: Full-time

Workplace Type: onsite

Salary:

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, integrate, and flight-test payloads and components for re-entry and high-temperature systems
• Characterize and test advanced materials and stackups (ceramics, composites, soft goods, coatings, embedded sensors)
• Design and implement instrumentation, data acquisition, and calibration systems for high-temperature and high-dynamic testing
• Analyze experimental data to validate models, refine designs, and inform next iterations
• Perform first-principles thermal, structural, and multiphysics analyses to guide engineering decisions
• Interface with embedded systems and software to enable sensing, telemetry, control, and data capture
• Design, prototype, and integrate complex assemblies using advanced CAD tools
• Partner with Manufacturing and Production teams to transition prototypes into scalable, repeatable hardware systems
• Translate early-stage concepts into validated proof-of-concept demonstrations
• Contribute to technical proposals and capture efforts for advanced defense and space programs

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 3-5 years of hands-on engineering experience developing, building, and testing hardware systems
• Experience using CAD software and producing engineering drawings to GD&T standards
• Experience planning, executing, and analyzing experimental tests
• Experience building, integrating, and using data acquisition systems to collect data from COTS sensors.
• Strong engineering first principles in solid mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and electronics
• Functional software ability in at least one high level programming language (Python preferred), with the ability to interface with test equipment and perform data analysis.
• Experience designing and executing project plans, managing technical scope, and coordinating cross-functional efforts to deliver hardware programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience thriving in a dynamic environment with a high degree of autonomy
• Experience working with advanced manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers, CNC machines, robotic systems, or automated production equipment
• Graduate-level degree in materials science or engineering, ideally with a focus in high-temperature materials or hypersonics
• Proven experience finding scrappy ways to deliver on milestones or programs ahead of schedule
• Published external literature in academic journals

Additional Requirements

• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
• Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments 
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.