Sr Design and Test Engineer

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Canopy Technologies is the R&D innovation engine powering Canopy Aerospace and Defense, accelerating the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials, components, and systems for re-entry vehicles, rockets, spacecraft, submarines, and more. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Canopy Technologies is focused on rapidly developing and deploying innovations in advanced materials such as hypersonic thermal protection systems, embedded high-temperature sensors, robotically applied ceramic coatings, and additive manufacturing of novel ceramics. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

Summary: We are seeking an exceptional senior-level Experimental Design and Test Engineer to lead the design, execution, and advancement of next-generation signature reduction technologies for extreme environments. While primarily focused on Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), this role will also support adjacent areas such as stealth and shielding. Sitting at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and R&D, this position translates ambiguous performance challenges into successful ground and flight test campaigns.

You will partner closely with leadership, program management, and engineering teams, owning end-to-end test campaigns across aerospace and maritime systems. The goal is to ensure systems meet stringent performance requirements while remaining cost-effective and scalable. This is a highly cross-functional, hands-on role—requiring experience with GSE/tooling design, advanced instrumentation, live test operations, and direct engagement with commercial and government stakeholders, including leading design reviews.

Success in this role demands strong first-principles thinking, practical engineering expertise, and the ability to rapidly move from concept to validated results.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and execution of test campaigns for high-temperature and aerospace systems, translating ambiguous requirements into validated engineering results
• Design, analyze, and develop test hardware, fixtures, and GSE using CAD, including generation of drawings and integration of complex assemblies
• Perform first-principles thermal, structural, and multiphysics analyses to guide both test design and hardware development
• Implement instrumentation, data acquisition, and calibration systems for high-temperature and high-dynamic testing environments
• Execute hands-on testing and analyze experimental data to validate designs, resolve anomalies, and drive rapid iteration of both test setups and hardware
• Interface directly with commercial and government customers to define requirements, communicate technical approaches, and ensure solutions remain competitive and aligned with program needs
• Generate clear, rigorous test reports, presentations, and documentation; proactively communicate results and maintain strong knowledge management across the organization

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Track record of technical leadership on complex hardware programs or test campaigns
• 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience designing, building, and testing hardware systems in aerospace or similarly demanding environments
• Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks or similar) and ability to produce production-quality drawings with GD&T
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing experimental test campaigns, including test planning, setup, execution, and data analysis
• Experience with instrumentation and sensing in harsh environments (thermocouples, pyrometry, strain, pressure, etc.)
• Strong first-principles engineering fundamentals across thermal, structural, and fluid systems, with a track record of application to real hardware problems
• Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language (Python preferred) for test automation, equipment interfacing, and data analysis
• Experience interfacing with customers or external stakeholders on technical programs, including presenting results and influencing requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in high-temperature, hypersonic, or aerospace environments (e.g., TPS, propulsion, re-entry systems)
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in engineering or materials science, ideally with a focus on high-temperature materials or hypersonics
• Experience with advanced manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing, CNC machining, or automated production systems
• Published technical work (journals, conferences, or significant internal reports) demonstrating depth in relevant domains

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 a year

Job Details:

FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt

Type: Full Time

Base Location: Littleton, CO

Travel: Up to 25%

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.