Test Engineer - Composites - Cambium Biomaterials

Test Engineer I

Must be a U.S. Persons due to the nature of our work.

Defense, aerospace, and other high-performance applications demand new material solutions stronger, lighter, more resilient, tested, and delivered faster than traditionally available. Cambium is disrupting advanced materials development, from AI-driven molecular design to agile domestic manufacturing. Whether enabling hypersonic flight or protecting critical systems, our solutions push the limits of what’s possible. Cambium solves mission-critical problems in defense and industry. Our team of world-class scientists and engineers was purposely built to take on those challenges. Come join us and revolutionize advanced materials for defense, aerospace, and beyond.

THE ROLE

Cambium is seeking a Test Engineer to join our composite materials team with a focus on ablative materials and carbon-carbon (C/C) composites. You will machine and test high-temperature composites for mechanical and thermal characterization, support polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) densification and graphitization campaigns, and design and fabricate parts for rapid prototyping technical demonstrations. This will be a hands-on role working with a team of technicians and you will be involved in the entire process—from resin cure through carbonization, densification, and post-test analysis of ablative and thermal protection system (TPS) hardware. We will provide training and mentorship every step of the way. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities of this role are expected to evolve.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Create written instructions, including test plans, standard operating procedures, and specifications, to fabricate and test composite materials, coupons, and parts

Create, maintain, and communicate detailed production plans and schedules

Characterize mechanical and thermal properties of high temperature and ablative composite materials using a load frame and thermal analysis methods

Operate and program composite curing and high-temperature processing equipment such as ovens, autoclaves, presses, and tube/retort furnaces used for pyrolysis, carbonization, and graphitization (up to ~2200°C) of carbon-carbon and ablative materials

Create prototype parts for technology demonstrations starting from conceptual design to part manufacturing

Track and report density, mass change, and property progression across PIP/densification and heat-treatment cycles, and prepare specimens for microscopy, density (Archimedes/pycnometry), and porosity analysis

Support ablative and TPS material screening, including char yield, mass loss, and thermal characterization, and safely handle pyrolysis off-gas and high-temperature furnace operations

Follow all safety protocols and contribute to our culture of safety

Participate in a wide range of R&D problem-solving activities with an open mind and desire to learn