Senior Propulsion Test Engineer — Onsite Test Stand Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Discretionary incentive bonuses

Health benefits (HMO/PPO)

Parental leave

Life insurance & disability coverage

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure, accelerating development of next‑generation turbo machinery and jet engines. You will own end‑to‑end test capability from an empty bay to first fire, including mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems.

This onsite role involves coordinating readiness, delivering high‑fidelity data, and leading test campaigns with cross‑functional teams, while

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 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.

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.

Skills

Propulsion test design

Systems integration

Instrumentation

Data acquisition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering

Tools

DAQ systems

PLC/industrial controls

High-pressure fluid systems

Job description

Divergent is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure, accelerating development of next‑generation turbo machinery and jet engines. You will own end‑to‑end test capability from an empty bay to first fire, including mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems.

This onsite role involves coordinating readiness, delivering high‑fidelity data, and leading test campaigns with cross‑functional teams, while