Test Engineer - Composites

Cambium; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) plan with matching

OSHA PPE training / safety program

Job summary

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, support PIP densification and graphitization campaigns, and design parts for rapid prototypes.

This hands-on role involves the full process from resin cure to carbonization and post-test analysis within a safety-conscious team.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
• 1-5+ years of experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite materials; ablative/high-temperature materials preferred.
• Familiarity with composite fabrication methods and strong attention to detail.
• Experience creating written instructions for shop floor execution and collaborating with technicians.
• Willingness to work hands-on in a team environment.
• U.S. citizenship due to job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create test plans, SOPs, and specifications to fabricate and test composites.
• Maintain production plans and schedules for projects.
• Characterize mechanical and thermal properties of high-temperature materials.
• Operate high-temperature processing equipment up to ~2200°C for carbon-carbon materials.
• Fabricate prototype parts from concept to manufacturing.
• Report density, mass changes, and progress through cycles; prepare specimens for analysis.
• Support TPS materials screening and handle high-temperature furnace operations safely.
• Follow safety protocols and contribute to a safety-oriented culture.

Skills

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Hands-on mindset

Education

BS/MS in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Ovens

Autoclaves

Press molding

CNC operation

CAD software

Job description

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 of what’s possible. 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 of technicians and 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 of high temperature and ablative composite materials using 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 communication 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