Principal Propulsion Test Engineer

Divergent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

Divergent in Los Angeles is seeking a Principal Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world‑class propulsion test infrastructure. You will own end‑to‑end development of propulsion test capability—from an empty test bay to first fire—designing mechanical structures, integrating high‑pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and controls for flight‑critical insight.

This is a highly hands‑on, onsite role, collaborating with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, and external

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience designing, building, commissioning, and operating complex propulsion test systems.
• Strong collaboration with technical and functional teams around test events.
• Strong background in high‑pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Ability to access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.

Responsibilities

• Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning.
• Design structural hardware and high‑pressure fluid systems for propulsion testing.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews (safety, instrumentation, and limits).
• Provide high‑fidelity data via instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems.
• Commission and operate propulsion test systems and develop operating procedures for engine tests.
• Analyze results with Performance Engineering to benchmark engine performance.
• Automate test operations to improve reliability and throughput.

Skills

Propulsion test experience

High-pressure fluid systems

Instrumentation & DAQ

Team collaboration

ASME B31.3 compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLCs

Industrial controls

Automation systems

Integrated test control systems

Fiber optic instrumentation

Job description

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.

Purpose

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.

The Role

• 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 analyse 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.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Work Environment

• This is a hands‑on, onsite role supporting propulsion test stand construction, commissioning, and recurring engine testing.
• Regular exposure to high‑pressure fluid systems, aviation fuels and active propulsion testing.
• Close collaboration with Performance Engineering, Software Engineering, manufacturing teams, and external engineering partners to rapidly develop and improve propulsion test capability.

Pay Range

$172,179 USD - $273,458 USD

What We Offer

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world‑class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results‑based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year‑end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long‑term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High‑Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high‑performing team within a fast‑paced, mission‑driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

EEO Poster

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.

E-Verify: Right to Work

Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.