Composites Testing & Prototyping Engineer

About the Role

This role centers on testing, analyzing, and iterating carbon fiber products, primarily our ladders and the components that go into them. You'll be part of a small and highly skilled team as we iterate our products from concept all the way to shipping to customers. This includes characterizing materials, validating components and assemblies against ANSI ladder standards, and using test data and FEA to drive design decisions. You'll be a core technical voice in getting our products to market and keeping them compliant.

About Elevate Carbon
Elevate Carbon is a Chicago-based startup building carbon fiber ladders and other consumer products. We compete with stagnant industries using cutting-edge composites techniques. We target products that have been slow to adopt new materials and manufacturing methods. We manufacture domestically in Chicago.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and run mechanical tests on prototype composite parts, covering strength, stiffness, fatigue, and failure mode
• Test components and full assemblies against ladder standards, and maintain compliance records
• Design and build test fixtures, rigs, and instrumentation (load cells, strain gages, DIC)
• Build FEA models of laminates and structures, and correlate them with test data
• Drive iterative design cycles: CAD modeling, prototyping, testing, and refinement
• Perform hands-on composites fabrication, including:
  • Filament winding
  • Compression molding
  • Out-of-autoclave vacuum bag fabrication
• Perform failure analysis and recommend design or process changes
• Write test plans, procedures, and reports to support certification and continuous improvement
• Contribute to safety improvements and hazard identification

Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• On-site position in Chicago, IL
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with composites design, fabrication, and testing
• Strong knowledge of composite mechanics, laminate design, and failure modes
• Experience with FEA/FEM of composite structures 
• Experience with mechanical test equipment and ASTM composite test methods (e.g., D3039, D2344, D7264)
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Ability to build, test, and iterate on physical prototypes
• Strong documentation, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Willingness to take on a mix of engineering and hands-on shop tasks

Additionally Preferred Experience

• Experience testing products to ANSI, ASTM, UL, or similar product safety standards
• Experience with filament winding or tube/profile manufacturing
• Experience designing test fixtures and data acquisition systems
• Experience with machining (mill, lathe, CNC)
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawings
• Prior experience in a startup or consumer products environment

Compensation
$85,000- $98,000 / year + benefits

Schedule
Full-time | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Work Environment

• Located in Chicago, IL
• Hands-on manufacturing environment with a strong emphasis on building and rapid iteration
• Expect a daily mix of engineering desk work, test lab work, and shop floor work
• Regular use of composites materials, test equipment, and production equipment
• Startup environment where priorities shift quickly and initiative is valued
• Working with industrial materials (resins, fibers, solvents). All required safety equipment is provided.