Company Overview

We imagine a future where our freedom is secured by rapid manufacturing of the highest performing materials on earth. We’re building the digital factories of the future to rapidly produce complex components in days to accelerate American innovation on Earth and beyond. Our core focus is on design and manufacture of ceramic thermal management components that are critical to missions such as re-entry from space, interplanetary travel, hypersonic weapons, and more.

Position Overview

As an Engineering R&D Technician at Canopy, you will have a critical role owning and defining the process workflow for creating products using our advanced manufacturing technology stack. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining advanced systems such as ceramic 3D printers and postprocessing equipment (furnaces, cleaning, machining, inspection), as well as working with our R&D team to complete experiments and collect data to improve our processes. On a given day you could be utilizing CAD software to generate build files from 3D models, mixing and preparing ceramic slurries for 3D printing, or operating 3D printers and troubleshooting issues as they arise. You could also be modifying the 3D printers with sensors to collect data and resolve print issues, interfacing directly with OEM’s for process/operations support, and creating/operating custom test equipment to generate performance data on 3D printed parts. This role provides a unique mix of hands-on and desk work, and contribution to both R&D and established production workflows. Prior ceramic 3D printing experience and an engineering degree is not necessarily required, but significant hands-on experience operating equipment, troubleshooting issues, and proactive communication/documentation is a must. To be successful in this role, you should be self-motivated, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead your own projects to completion. We strive to create a culture that incentivizes high performers and disruptors rather than maintaining the status quo.

Responsibilities

• Operate forming equipment for technical ceramics – traditional and advanced processes such as 3D printing.
• Operate and develop cleaning tools for advanced ceramics processing.
• Operate high-temperature furnaces used for drying, debinding, and sintering processes.
• Use CAD software to translate 3D models to 3D printable build files, analyze issues, and generate support material.
• Extract, analyze, and present data extracted from various ceramics forming tools to improve processes.
• Author, manage, and maintain work instructions, test plans, templates, and procedures .
• Implement quality management and production tracking systems.
• Execute thermomechanical tests and analyze data.
• Teach and train other team members in all facets of manufacturing.
• Have a strong safety mindset and implement safety improvements to OSHA standards.

Requirements – should meet most of these

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting 3D printers.
• Minimum 2 years hands-on manufacturing experience, ideally in a highly regulated environment such as Aerospace or Medical.
• Excellent verbal communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Experience designing and manufacturing physical objects using advanced tools such as machining, 3D printing, or casting.
• Working knowledge of CAD software and demonstrated experience using it to produce physical objects or assemblies.
• Prior training and familiarity with production shop safety practices.

Nice to have’s (but not required) - you should still apply even if you don’t have all of these

• Proven experience thriving in a dynamic environment with a high degree of autonomy.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings from 3D models using CAD software.
• Experience using measurement tools and generating inspection reports.
• Experience operating test equipment such as Servohydraulic load frames and interfacing with data acquisition systems.
• Experience interfacing with common microcontrollers and single board computers such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
• Experience using workflow management tools such as Jira.
• Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in a STEM discipline.

Additional requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

**** Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range: $60,000 - $120,000 base + performance incentives
• Company stock options
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• FSA with company contribution
• Retirement Savings Plan – 5% matching 401(k)
• 100% Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage for employee and family
• Professional Stipend
• Health and Wellness Stipend

Actual level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis and could vary depending on education, job-related knowledge and skills, fit with the company, and experience.

Hiring Process

We strive to be transparent and equitable throughout our hiring process; we also will move quickly through the steps. Below is a description of our hiring process:

• Candidate submission of resume and portfolio materials
• 20-minute administrative screening call
• 30-minute technical screen with a Canopy engineer and/or the hiring manager
• On-site, case-study interview
• 1:1s with key team members
• Final offer decision

Canopy Core Values

• Own Everything
• Cultivate Integrity
• Inquire Rigorously
• Practice Optimism
• Operate Decisively

Other Requirements

This position may require travel, <20% of the time.

This position requires the ability to obtain a government security clearance in the future; you must be a US Citizen for consideration. There is no requirement to be holding an active security clearance prior to employment.

Canopy Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Canopy Aerospace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Other Notes

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