Sr. Design and Test Engineer

Canopy A&D; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

A leading aerospace technologies firm located in Littleton, CO, is seeking a Senior Experimental Design and Test Engineer. This role will lead the design and execution of next-generation signature reduction technologies focusing on Thermal Protection Systems. The successful candidate will have strong engineering expertise, with at least 5 years of experience in aerospace environments and proficiency in CAD. Competitive salary of $120,000 - $160,000 alongside comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience designing, building, and testing hardware systems in aerospace or similarly demanding environments.
• Experience designing and executing experimental test campaigns, including test planning, setup, execution, and data analysis.
• Strong proficiency in CAD and ability to produce production-quality drawings with GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and execution of test campaigns for aerospace systems.
• Implement instrumentation, data acquisition, and calibration systems for testing environments.
• Generate clear, rigorous test reports and document results for knowledge management.

Skills

First-principles engineering fundamentals

CAD (SolidWorks or similar)

Instrumentation in harsh environments

Programming in Python

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

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.

Job 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.

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

$120,000 - $160,000 a year

Job Details

FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt
Type: Full Time
Base Location: Littleton, CO
Travel: Up to 25%

Benefits

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.