Staff Propulsion Test Engineer

Divergent; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 148,430 - 204,090; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Bonus opportunities

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Health benefits (HMO/PPO)

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Learning & development reimbursement

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure. You will own end-to-end capability from concept to first-fire, including mechanics, fluids, instrumentation, and control systems for engine testing.

Based onsite in a fast-paced environment, you will collaborate with EH&S, Performance Engineering, and external partners to deliver safe, repeatable, data-rich campaigns and continuously improve test capability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience designing, building, commissioning, and operating propulsion or mechanical test systems.
• Strong collaboration with technical teams before and during test events.
• Expertise in high-pressure fluid systems, instrumentation, and high-fidelity data acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning.
• Design structural hardware and high‑pressure fluid systems for test stands.
• Coordinate test readiness reviews including safety and instrumentation.
• Architect and integrate instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems for high‑quality data.

Skills

Propulsion test experience

Mechanical design

Instrumentation & DAQ

High-pressure fluid systems

Test automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DAQ systems

PLC/industrial controls

Job description

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

We'reseeking a Staff Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, andoperateworld-class propulsion test infrastructure that accelerates the development of next-generation turbo machinery and jet engines. From an empty test bay tofirst-fire,you'llown the end-to-end development of propulsion test capability—designing mechanical structures, integrating high-pressure fluid systems, implementing instrumentation and controls, commissioning the facility, andultimately leadingpropulsion 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'llwork closely withEH&S,Performance Engineering, Software, and external partners to transform ambitious testingobjectivesinto safe, repeatable, and data-rich test campaigns that generate flight-critical insight.

As our propulsion programs evolve,you'llcontinuously 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 standsfrom concept through commissioning, owning the mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systemsrequiredfor safe, repeatable engine testing.
• Build robust, flight-ready test infrastructureby designing structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems, and facility equipment that meets demanding propulsion testing requirements.
• Coordinatetest readiness reviews, including, safety, instrumentation, and limits review in preparation for test events
• Deliver high-fidelity test databy architecting and integrating instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems that provide reliable, flight-critical measurements for propulsion performance evaluation.
• Commission andoperatepropulsion test systemsby leading assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing, operating procedure development, and safe execution of engine test campaigns.
• Drive propulsion test execution and technical insightby partnering with Performance Engineering to analyze results, benchmark engine performance, and resolve technical issues through root-cause investigation.
• Continuously improve test capabilityby 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 in prior toand 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 systemsin accordance withASME 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 witha track recordof 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, aviationfuelsand active propulsion testing.
• Close collaboration with Performance Engineering, Software Engineering, manufacturing teams, and external engineering partners to rapidly develop and improve propulsion test capability.

$148,430 — $204,090 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.

Eligibility to Work Poster (English) |Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)

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.