R&D Engineer Intern

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

Position Summary

Canopy Technologies is seeking exceptional engineering students to join our team as R&D Engineering Intern for Fall 2026. As an intern, you will work closely with experienced engineers to develop and test next-generation materials and hardware systems designed for extreme environments - including re-entry vehicles, hypersonic platforms, and high-temperature aerospace and defense systems.

This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test. Interns contribute directly to active hardware programs by helping design prototypes, instrument experiments, analyze data, and iterate on engineering solutions. At Canopy, interns are not observers. You will be embedded in real development programs, working alongside engineers, technicians, and manufacturing teams to help build and test hardware that must survive some of the harshest environments encountered in aerospace.

If you are motivated to apply your engineering knowledge beyond the classroom and enjoy working with real hardware, data, and experimentation, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-moving R&D environment.

Key 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

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

Additional Requirements

• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
• Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
• Abilityto use a computer to complete assignments
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.


Job Details

Location: Onsite in Littleton, CO

Schedule/Hours: ~30 hours a week, M-F


Hourly Pay Rate: $25

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:

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.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D 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, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.