R&D Engineer

Canopy Technologies’ mission is to manufacture humanity’s ascent. Our team advances materials and manufacturing processes to support the most challenging missions in the galaxy: re-entry from space, interplanetary travel, hypersonic weapons, and more. Canopy’s engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat, corrosive environments, and the harshness of space. 

Job Summary: Canopy Technologies is seeking an exceptional R&D Engineer to lead the development, integration, and flight validation of next-generation materials and payload systems for extreme environments.

This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test. You will take novel ceramic, composite, and multi-material systems from first-principles concept through proof-of-concept, qualification, and flight demonstration. You will design hardware that survives re-entry, hypersonic heating, and harsh maritime and defense environments — and you will personally help build, test, and refine it.

This is not a narrow, single-discipline role. It requires an engineer who is equally comfortable deriving governing equations from scratch, building robust CAD models for complex assemblies, instrumenting hardware for high-temperature test, and standing in front of a torch or arc-jet facility diagnosing failure modes in real time.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance

Work Environment

·       Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.

·       Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.

·       Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.

·       Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. Retirement plan participation (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

Export Control Requirements

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

Canopy Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Join Us

If you feel you’re qualified for the role, but don’t exactly meet the criteria - please apply! We value diversity and prioritize passion.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.