About Canopy Technologies’ Mission:
Canopy Technologies is the R&D innovation engine powering Canopy Aerospace and Defense, accelerating the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials, components, and systems for re-entry vehicles, rockets, spacecraft, submarines, and more. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Canopy Technologies is focused on rapidly developing and deploying innovations in advanced materials such as RF- and vibration absorbing polymers, hypersonic thermal protection systems, embedded high-temperature sensors, robotically applied ceramic coatings, and additive manufacturing of novel ceramics. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.
In this role on the Canopy engineering team, you will be a foundational member of the material development team, leading the development of advanced polymer materials for demanding maritime and defense applications. The role will focus on formulating, testing, and scaling novel polymer systems for maritime applications. The ideal candidate will bridge early-stage R&D with manufacturing scale-up, enabling robust, high-performance products for demanding environments. You will join a small core team with combined experience managing nuclear weapons systems, starting companies, creating new materials, and flying things to space. To be successful in this role, you must be self-motivated, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead your own projects to completion.
Key Responsibilities
Design and develop new polymer formulations tailored for maritime platforms
Execute test campaigns to evaluate key material properties and analyze data
Analyze performance data and iterate formulations to meet customer and regulatory requirements
Translate lab-scale formulations into scalable manufacturing processes
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to guide scale-up and process optimization
Lead qualification, testing, and certification efforts for new formulations to enable commercialization
Maintain detailed documentation of formulations, processes, and results
Contribute to the development of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic growth objectives
Required Qualifications
Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials science, and thermodynamics
PhD or MS in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field
5+ years of experience formulating polymer materials in an industrial or applied R&D setting
Experience customizing polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, rubbers, and other elastomers
Experience scaling chemical processes from lab to production
Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques (DMA, DSC, TGA, rheology, etc.)
Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and manufacturing teams
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with neoprene, rubber systems, and/or damping materials
Familiarity with common composite materials and related processing
Project management or project leadership experience
Molecular modeling experience
Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense-related information and facilities
Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis and testing of defense articles or launch vehicles
Additional Requirements & Work Environment
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance
Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
