Propulsion Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Onsite in Torrance, California, United States

Salary: $122,430–$259,310 USD annually, with level-based ranges for Engineer II, Senior Engineer, and Staff Engineer.

Company

Divergent develops integrated engineering and manufacturing solutions for demanding automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.

What you will do

• Architect, build, commission, and operate propulsion test stands from concept through first fire and recurring engine testing.
• Design structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems, facility equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems.
• Coordinate safety, instrumentation, limits, and test-readiness reviews before test events.
• Lead assembly, first-flow activation, shakedown testing, procedure development, and safe execution of propulsion test campaigns.
• Partner with Performance Engineering, Software, EH&S, manufacturing teams, and external partners to analyze results, benchmark engine performance, and resolve technical issues.
• Automate and improve test operations to increase reliability, throughput, 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 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.
• Experience applying ASME B31.3 or equivalent engineering standards.
• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• Ability to work onsite in Torrance and support propulsion test stand construction, commissioning, and recurring engine testing.

Nice to have

• Direct experience testing turbomachinery, gas turbines, or jet engines.
• Strong understanding of propulsion test planning, 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.
• Builder’s mindset for transforming empty spaces into safe, efficient propulsion test facilities.
• Collaborative leadership experience enabling multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex technical systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on work with high-pressure fluid systems, aviation fuels, and active propulsion testing.
• Collaborative, dynamic, high-performing, and mission-driven environment.
• Regular full-time employment with salary, equity, and discretionary results-based incentive opportunities.
• Paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, year-end shutdown, and paid parental leave.
• HMO and Premium PPO health plans, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Learning and development reimbursement opportunities.