R&D Engineer Intern at Canopy Technologies in Littleton, CO

Summary: Canopy A&D is focused on accelerating the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. They are seeking exceptional engineering students to join their team as R&D Engineering Interns, where interns will work closely with experienced engineers to develop and test next-generation materials and hardware systems designed for extreme environments. Responsibilities: - Support development and testing of components and payload systems for high-temperature and extreme-environment applications - Assist with characterization and testing of advanced materials including ceramics, composites, coatings, and embedded sensor systems - Help design and assemble experimental setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems - Collect, process, and analyze experimental data to support engineering decisions - Contribute to thermal, structural, or multiphysics analyses under guidance from senior engineers - Assist with CAD modeling and documentation of hardware assemblies and test fixtures - Support prototype integration and testing in laboratory or field environments - Work alongside engineers, technicians, and manufacturing teams to iterate on hardware designs and test setups - Document results and contribute to internal technical reports and design reviews Required Qualifications: - Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field - Experience applying engineering skills outside the classroom through laboratory work, research, engineering project teams, or personal projects - Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, Fusion, or similar) - Basic programming ability (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis or instrumentation - Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment - Strong professional communication and technical writing skills - Ability to adapt and contribute in a fast-paced R&D setting where requirements evolve rapidly - Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - Strong engineering fundamentals in heat transfer, solid mechanics, thermodynamics, or materials science - Hands-on experience building or testing hardware through research labs, engineering clubs, or competition teams (rocketry, Formula SAE, Baja, Design Build Fly, etc.) - Experience working with sensors, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems - Familiarity with advanced manufacturing tools such as 3D printing, machining, or composite fabrication Required Skills: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Important Skills: CAD tools, Programming Python, Programming MATLAB Nice-to-Have Skills: Heat Transfer, Solid Mechanics, Thermodynamics Benefits: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance, Retirement plan participation (eligibility required), Paid sick leave, Paid vacation, Paid holidays, Discretionary bonuses