Location 
Littleton, Colorado (in-person) 
 

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 applications in space, defense, and hypersonics. We design new material systems, build thermal protection systems (TPS) and 3D print technical ceramics. 

Position Overview 
As our first engineering technician, we are looking for a self-starter that can work closely with the Canopy engineering and operations team. We are currently building out our 18k sq. ft. facility and need to take solutions from concept to reality on projects ranging from setting up equipment to building spacecraft hardware and 3D printing ceramics. This is a unique opportunity to be involved over the entire product lifecycles, with exciting challenges every day. This is also a great opportunity for collaboration and growth on a small core team with combined experience managing nuclear weapons systems, starting companies, creating new materials, and flying things to space. 

Responsibilities  

• Operate forming equipment for technical ceramics – traditional and advanced processes such as additive manufacturing 
• Operate high-temperature furnaces used for drying, debinding, and sintering processes 
• Set up equipment and fix minor items around the facility 
• Install and build novel manufacturing equipment and processes as invented by Canopy 
• Assemble and test first-article prototypes  
• Author, manage, and maintain work instructions, test plans, templates, and procedures 
• Implement quality management and production tracking systems 
• Execute thermomechanical tests and analyze data 
• Teach and train other team members in all facets of manufacturing 
• Have a strong safety mindset and implement safety improvements to OSHA standards 

Requirements (should meet most of these) 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate  
• 5-20 years hands-on manufacturing experience, ideally in an aerospace facility 
• Prior training and familiarity with production shop safety practices
• Hands-on fabrication experience with some of the following systems: 
  • Ceramics casting and drying 
  • Laser-based industrial 3D-printing 
  • Hand spray painting or coatings 
  • Robotic automation for coatings  
  • Operating electric furnaces 
  • General industrial: fabrication, electrical, assembly, quality and safety controls 
• Common power tools used at home/school/work 
• Excellent verbal communication, problem-solving, and documentation skills 
• Proven experience working as part of teams 

Nice to (should still apply even if you don’t have all of these) 

• Proficiency using 3D modeling tools and creating engineering drawings 
• 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 

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. unassisted  
• 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: $30-$60/hr  
• This position may be eligible to transition to full-time employment with Canopy after an initial work period of 3-6 months; which would make this position eligible for benefits as outline on our website

Actual pay range determined on a case-by-case basis and will 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 general screen 

2. 30-minute technical screen 

3. 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.