Job Type
Part time, hourly (15-30 hr/week)
Company Overview
Canopy was founded to assure access to space by pioneering a new era of advanced manufacturing, starting with the most challenging systems and hardware in the aerospace industry. We are a venture-backed, seed-stage startup developing high-temperature materials for space and hypersonic applications. We design new material systems, build thermal protection systems (TPS), and 3D print technical ceramics.
Position overview
We are seeking motivated and exceptional students to join Canopy for a Fall 2023 internship, with the potential to extend into Winter/Spring 2024. As a Canopy intern you will be working with a mentor and the greater product team to apply first principles knowledge and solve a variety of difficult engineering problems - ranging from design, analysis, build, and testing of spacecraft hardware to first-principles material development and characterization. This is a unique opportunity for a high degree of ownership and responsibility over entire product lifecycles from concept to delivery, with new challenges every day. This is also a unique opportunity for mentorship and growth on a small core team with combined experience managing nuclear weapons systems, starting companies, creating new materials, and flying things to space. If you have a demonstrated track record of academic excellence and applying your experience outside of classes, you will be a great fit.
Responsibilities
• Operate ceramic 3D printers, cleaning stations, and high-temperature furnaces
• Design, build and test custom TPS parts and set-up manufacturing areas
• Assemble and test first-article prototypes
• Design and build systems and hardware to enable rapid scaling of TPS manufacturing
• Author, manage, and maintain work instructions, test plans, templates, and procedures
• Create, document, and maintain material processing recipes
• Execute thermomechanical tests in-house and analyze data
• Develop tooling for building composite parts and implement process improvements
Requirements (should meet most of these)
• Enrolled or recently graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or other applicable technical degree
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in physics, fluids, structures, thermodynamics, and materials science
• Excellent written/verbal communication, problem-solving and documentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutions
• Proficiency using 3D modeling tools and creating engineering drawings
• Working proficiency in at least one modern programming language
• Hands-on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at home/school/work
• Past experience designing, building, and testing fluid, mechanical, or electrical systems
• Understanding and embodiment of extreme ownership principles
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
Nice to have’s (still apply even if you don’t have all of these)
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing, metalworking, welding, assembly, or other manufacturing techniques
• Past experience working on SLA, DLP, BJAM, or FFF additive manufacturing systems, ideally using ceramic material systems
• Past experience operating furnaces and/or drying ovens
• Experience using Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) frameworks and tools
• Understanding fundamentals of composites and high-temperature materials
• Equipment installation and commissioning experience, setting up labs or production areas
• Laying up composite structures, curing parts, and machining basic geometries
• Understanding of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Quality systems
Additional requirements
• Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project milestones or operational needs - we’re a small team and everyone is expected to wear multiple hats
Compensation and Benefits
• Pay range: $20-$35/hr
Actual pay range 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:
1. 30 minute technical screen
2. On-site interview and team meeting to assess technical and culture fit
Canopy Core Values
1. Ownership
2. Urgency and focus
3. Rigorous and thoughtful inquiry
4. Trust and amplify
5. Truthful communication
6. Optimism
7. Understand the why
8. Leadership
Other Requirements
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.