Test Engineer - Composites

Socket.dev; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Cambium is seeking a Test Engineer I to join our composite materials team, focusing on ablative materials and carbon-carbon composites. You will machine and test high-temperature materials, support PIP densification and graphitization campaigns, and design prototype parts for demonstrations.

In this hands-on role, you will work with technicians through the full process from resin cure to carbonization and post-test analysis, while following safety protocols and contributing to rapid development

Qualifications

• BS/MS in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
• 1–5+ years of experience with qualification and acceptance testing of composite materials.
• Familiarity with fabrication methods: hand layup, resin transfer molding, press molding, autoclave cure.
• Experience creating written instructions for shop floor execution.
• US citizenship.
• Strong communications skills and a team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Create test plans, procedures, and specifications for fabricating and testing composite materials, coupons, and parts.
• Create, maintain, and communicate detailed production plans and schedules.
• Characterize mechanical and thermal properties of high-temperature and ablative composite materials.
• Operate and program curing and high-temperature processing equipment (ovens, autoclaves, presses, furnaces).
• Create prototype parts for technology demonstrations from concept to manufacturing.
• Track and report density, mass change, and property progression through cycles and prep specimens for analysis.
• Support ablative and TPS material screening and safely handle pyrolysis off-gas and high-temperature furnace operations.
• Follow safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safety.
• Collaborate with R&D teams and technicians on a range of problems.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

US citizenship

Education

BS in mechanical engineering

MS in mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Test Engineer I

Must be a U.S. Persons due to the nature of our work.

Defense, aerospace, and other high-performance applications demand new material solutions stronger, lighter, more resilient, tested, and delivered faster than traditionally available. Cambium is disrupting advanced materials development, from AI-driven molecular design to agile domestic manufacturing. Whether enabling hypersonic flight or protecting critical systems, our solutions push the limits ofwhat’spossible. Cambium solves mission-critical problems in defense and industry. Our team of world-class scientists and engineers was purposely built to take on those challenges. Come join us and revolutionize advanced materials for defense, aerospace, and beyond.

THE ROLE

Cambium is seeking a Test Engineer to join our composite materials team with a focus on ablative materials and carbon-carbon (C/C) composites. You will machine and test high-temperature composites for mechanical and thermal characterization, support polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) densification and graphitization campaigns, and design and fabricate parts for rapid prototyping technical demonstrations. This will be a hands‑on role working with a team oftechniciansand you will be involved in the entire process—from resin cure through carbonization, densification, and post-test analysis of ablative and thermal protection system (TPS) hardware. We will provide training and mentorship every step of the way. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities of this role are expected to evolve.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create written instructions, including test plans, standard operating procedures, and specifications, to fabricate and test composite materials, coupons, and parts

• Create,maintain, and communicate detailed production plans and schedules

• Characterize mechanical and thermal properties ofhigh temperatureand ablativecompositematerialsusing a load frame and thermal analysis methods

• Operate and program composite curing and high-temperature processing equipment such as ovens, autoclaves, presses, and tube/retort furnaces used for pyrolysis, carbonization, and graphitization (up to ~2200°C) of carbon‑carbon and ablative materials

• Create prototype parts for technology demonstrations starting from conceptual design to part manufacturing

• Track and report density, mass change, and property progression across PIP/densification and heat‑treatment cycles, and prepare specimens for microscopy, density (Archimedes/pycnometry), and porosity analysis

• Support ablative and TPS material screening, including char yield, mass loss, and thermal characterization, and safely handle pyrolysis off‑gas and high‑temperature furnace operations

• Follow all safety protocols and contribute to our culture of safety

• Participate in a wide range of R&D problem‑solving activities with an open mind and desire to learn

• Create and contribute to the product demonstration and engineering teams in a manner consistent with Cambium’s mission and values and the growth of Cambium’s business

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• BS/MS in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.

• 1‑5+ years of experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite materials; experience with ablative, carbon‑carbon, or other high-temperature/high-char materials strongly preferred

• Familiarity with composite fabrication methods such as hand layup, resin transfer molding, press molding, and autoclave cure with strong attention to detail.

• Experience creating written instructions for shop floor execution and collaborating with a team of technicians

• Have a strong desire to learn and be willing to work in a hands‑on environment

• Due to the nature of the work, you must have US citizenship

• Strong communications skills and team-oriented mindset

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with thermal protection systems (TPS) and ablative materials for high‑temperature and re‑entry/rocket‑nozzle environments

• Hands‑on experience with carbon‑carbon processing, including polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP), carbonization, and graphitization heat treatments, and high‑temperature resin systems (phenolic, phthalonitrile, or similar)

• Working knowledge of high‑temperature and composite test standards (e.g., ASTM C297, D3039, D2344, D6641, E1461) and CMH‑17 test methodologies

• Proficiency in CAD software

• Experience in rapid prototyping of composites, including tooling design and first article builds

• Machine shop experience (hand tools, mill/lathe/grinder, and CNC operation) a plus

BENEFITS

• Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan.

As a condition of employment, the candidate may need to successfully complete a medical evaluation and obtain clearance to wear respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

Salary:$81,000 - $132,000