Propulsion Test Engineer
About The Position
Divergent is seeking a hands-on Propulsion Test Engineer to develop and operate propulsion test infrastructure for next-generation turbomachinery and jet engines. The role owns end-to-end test capability development, from designing structural hardware and integrating high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and controls through facility commissioning and execution of propulsion test campaigns. The engineer will work with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, manufacturing teams, and external partners to develop safe, repeatable, data-rich tests and generate flight-critical insight. The role also focuses on automating and improving test operations to increase throughput, data quality, reliability, and efficiency. 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 before 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 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 turbomachinery, 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 in fast-paced R&D or first-of-a-kind hardware development environments.
- A builder's mindset and ability to envision transforming an empty space into a safe, efficient, capable propulsion test facility.
- A collaborative leadership style and a track record of enabling multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex technical systems.
Responsibilities
- Deliver propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, including the mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems needed for safe, repeatable engine testing.
- Design structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems, and facility equipment for demanding propulsion testing requirements.
- Coordinate test readiness reviews, including safety, instrumentation, and limits reviews.
- Architect and integrate instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems to provide reliable, high-fidelity measurements for propulsion performance evaluation.
- Lead test-system assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing, operating procedure development, and safe execution of engine test campaigns.
- Partner with Performance Engineering to analyze test results, benchmark engine performance, and resolve technical issues through root-cause investigation.
- Automate and improve test operations, reliability, throughput, and infrastructure to accelerate propulsion development in alignment with the DAPS philosophy.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities.
- Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown.
- Paid parental leave.
- Health and wellness benefits, including HMO and Premium PPO options.
- Company-sponsored life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
