Principal Propulsion Test Engineer

Divergent•Torrance, CA

9h•$172,179 - $273,458•Onsite

About The Position

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built. We're seeking a Principal Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure that accelerates the development of next-generation turbo machinery and jet engines. From an empty test bay to first fire, you'll own the end-to-end development of propulsion test capability—designing mechanical structures, integrating high-pressure fluid systems, implementing instrumentation and controls, commissioning the facility, and ultimately leading propulsion test campaigns. This is a highly hands-on role for an engineer who is equally comfortable designing structural hardware, specifying instrumentation, commissioning fluid systems, and troubleshooting on the test floor. You'll work closely with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, and external partners to transform ambitious testing objectives into safe, repeatable, and data-rich test campaigns that generate flight-critical insight. As our propulsion programs evolve, you'll continuously improve and automate test operations, increasing throughput, data quality, and operational efficiency while fostering a culture of ownership, safety, and technical excellence. This is an onsite position supporting propulsion development and recurring engine testing.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Demonstrated experience designing, building, commissioning, and operating complex propulsion or mechanical test systems, including hands-on integration, troubleshooting, and test execution.
Excellent ability to collaborate with technical and functional teams in prior to and during test events.
Strong technical foundation in high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and high-speed data acquisition, including pressure system design, sensor integration, signal conditioning, and development of reliable, high-fidelity test data systems in accordance with ASME B31.3 or equivalent engineering standards.
Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience testing turbo machinery, gas turbines, or jet engines.
Strong understanding of propulsion test planning, test execution, data acquisition, and performance analysis.
Experience with advanced sensing technologies, including fiber optic instrumentation.
Experience with PLCs, industrial controls, automation, or integrated test control systems.
Familiarity with vibration, NVH, and propulsion performance characterization.
Experience working in fast-paced R&D or first-of-a-kind hardware development environments.
A builder's mindset—you naturally envision how to transform an empty space into a safe, efficient, and highly capable propulsion test facility.
Collaborative leadership style with a track record of enabling multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex technical systems.

Responsibilities

Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, owning the mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems required for safe, repeatable engine testing.
Build robust, flight-ready test infrastructure by designing structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems, and facility equipment that meets demanding propulsion testing requirements.
Coordinate test readiness reviews, including, safety, instrumentation, and limits review in preparation for test events
Deliver high-fidelity test data by architecting and integrating instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems that provide reliable, flight-critical measurements for propulsion performance evaluation.
Commission and operate propulsion test systems by leading assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing, operating procedure development, and safe execution of engine test campaigns.
Drive propulsion test execution and technical insight by partnering with Performance Engineering to analyze results, benchmark engine performance, and resolve technical issues through root-cause investigation.
Continuously improve test capability by automating test operations, increasing reliability and throughput, and evolving infrastructure to accelerate propulsion development in alignment with the DAPS philosophy.