Senior Propulsion Test Engineer
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 end-to-end test capability development, from designing mechanical structures and integrating high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and controls through facility commissioning and propulsion test campaigns. This hands-on position involves designing structural hardware, specifying instrumentation, commissioning fluid systems, and troubleshooting on the test floor. The engineer will work with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, manufacturing teams, and external partners to turn test objectives into safe, repeatable, data-rich campaigns. The position also focuses on automating and improving test operations to increase throughput, data quality, reliability, and efficiency. It is an onsite role 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.
- 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 and ability to envision turning an empty space into a safe, efficient, 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, owning mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems.
- 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 (DAQ), and control systems to produce reliable, high-fidelity test data.
- 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 in alignment with the DAPS philosophy.
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.
- 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.
- Collaborative, dynamic, high-performing team environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
