Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

Divergent • Torrance, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Divergent is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to develop and operate propulsion test infrastructure for next-generation turbomachinery and jet engines. The role owns test capability from an empty test bay through commissioning and first fire, including mechanical structures, high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, controls, and facility equipment. The engineer will lead propulsion test campaigns and work with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, manufacturing teams, and external partners to turn testing objectives into safe, repeatable, data-rich test events.

This is a hands-on, onsite role supporting propulsion test stand construction, commissioning, and recurring engine testing. The engineer will design and integrate systems, develop operating procedures, commission equipment, analyze test results, investigate technical issues, and continuously improve and automate operations to increase throughput, reliability, data quality, and operational efficiency.

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.
• Ability to collaborate effectively 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, with the ability to envision transforming an empty space into a safe, efficient, and capable propulsion test facility.
• 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 propulsion testing.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews, including safety, instrumentation, and limits reviews.
• Architect and integrate instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems to produce reliable, high-fidelity propulsion performance measurements.
• Lead assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing, operating procedure development, and safe execution of engine test campaigns.
• Partner with Performance Engineering to analyze 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.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with an 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.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development.

What This Job Offers

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