Manufacturing Engineer, Turbojet Engines

Divergent • Torrance, CA

22h

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer, Turbojet Engines bridges design and production for Divergent's turbojet propulsion products. The role makes engine designs manufacturable, matures the processes used to build them, and ensures components and assemblies meet the quality and reliability expected of flight-critical propulsion hardware. The engineer guides new engine concepts from prototype through qualification and into repeatable production, solving manufacturing challenges along the way. Depending on experience and demonstrated technical expertise, the position may be hired at the Engineer II or Senior Engineer level. Higher-level engineers are expected to take greater ownership of complex manufacturing programs, lead technical problem-solving, drive process optimization, and provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams.

The role owns manufacturing end to end for turbojet development and production programs, from individual components through full engine build. It serves as technical lead for manufacturing processes involving rotating hardware, hot-section and static components, and final engine assembly. The engineer develops, implements, and refines scalable processes for turbojet components, drives data-based improvements in yield, cycle time, and first-pass quality, and establishes and controls special processes. The position also tracks emerging manufacturing technologies and applies them where they strengthen product and cost performance.

The engineer leads new engine designs through the factory, troubleshoots and iterates to meet development timelines, and applies Design for Manufacturability in collaboration with design, materials, and test engineers. Responsibilities include introducing and validating equipment, fixtures, tooling, and processes; supporting engine build, balancing, and test-cell readiness; and incorporating test findings into design and process changes.

The position develops and maintains work instructions, process plans, routings, and AS9102 first article inspection packages in compliance with AS9100. It ensures processes meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements, leads nonconformance investigations and corrective actions, and supports MRB dispositions for critical rotating and life-limited parts. The engineer also provides technical guidance to production personnel, leads cross-functional program teams, and supports department leadership in team growth and hiring.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to US export controls.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of manufacturing engineering experience for Engineer II or at least 5 years for Senior Engineer, in aerospace or defense, with direct exposure to gas turbine engines, turbomachinery, or comparable high-temperature, high-speed rotating hardware.
• Hands-on experience with precision machining difficult alloys, such as nickel superalloys including Inconel 718, titanium, or stainless steels, including 5-axis machining.
• Proficiency in CAD, such as Siemens NX, and strong command of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and inspection methods including CMM, optical, and surface metrology.
• Working knowledge of special processes such as heat treat, welding, coatings, and NDT methods including FPI, radiography, and CT.
• Experience with MES, PLM, and ERP systems.
• Proven track record of taking complex hardware from concept through production in high-reliability applications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with metal additive manufacturing of engine components, such as laser powder bed fusion, including post-processing and qualification.
• Experience with rotor balancing, turbine blade or vane manufacturing, and/or engine assembly and test.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement expertise.
• Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102, and ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Experience with robotics or automation in machining, inspection, or assembly.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing end to end for turbojet development and production programs, from individual components through full engine build.
• Serve as technical lead for manufacturing processes involving rotating hardware, hot-section components, static components, and final engine assembly.
• Develop, implement, and refine scalable processes for turbojet components, including compressor and turbine wheels, blisks, shafts, casings, combustors, nozzles, and bearing housings.
• Improve yield, cycle time, and first-pass quality through data-driven continuous improvement.
• Establish and control special processes, including heat treatment, welding and brazing, balancing, coatings, and nondestructive testing.
• Track emerging technologies in additive manufacturing, advanced machining, and high-temperature materials, and introduce them where they strengthen product and cost position.
• Lead new engine designs through the factory, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and iterate to meet development timelines.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability with design, materials, and test engineers to balance performance, cost, and producibility.
• Introduce and rigorously validate new equipment, fixtures, tooling, and processes to support engine qualification.
• Support engine build, balancing, and test-cell readiness, and feed test findings back into design and process changes.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process plans, routings, and AS9102 first article inspection packages in compliance with AS9100.
• Ensure processes meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality system requirements, including special process controls and material and process specifications.
• Lead nonconformance investigations, root cause analysis, corrective action, and MRB dispositions on critical rotating and life-limited parts.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians, machinists, and production staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Lead cross-functional program teams.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering Department Leadership in team growth and hiring.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown.
• Paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, with HMO and Premium PPO options.
• Company-sponsored life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level