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Salary: USD 167,724 - 273,458 / annual
Divergent 3D is seeking a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to architect, build, and operate world-class propulsion test infrastructure for next-generation turbomachinery and jet engines. 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, implementing instrumentation and controls, commissioning facilities, and leading propulsion test campaigns.
This is a highly hands-on role requiring equal comfort with structural hardware design, instrumentation specification, fluid system commissioning, and test floor troubleshooting. You will collaborate closely with EH&S, Performance Engineering, Software, and external partners to transform testing objectives into safe, repeatable, data-rich test campaigns that generate flight-critical insight.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deliver fully operational propulsion test stands from concept through commissioning, owning mechanical, fluid, controls, and instrumentation systems for safe, repeatable engine testing
- Build robust, flight-ready test infrastructure by designing structural hardware, high-pressure fluid systems, and facility equipment meeting demanding propulsion testing requirements
- Coordinate test readiness reviews covering safety, instrumentation, and limits in preparation for test events
- Deliver high-fidelity test data by architecting and integrating instrumentation, DAQ, and control systems providing 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
As propulsion programs evolve, you will 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 with regular exposure to high-pressure fluid systems, aviation fuels, and active propulsion testing.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or 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 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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 working in fast-paced R&D or first-of-a-kind hardware development environments
- Builder's mindset—ability to envision transforming an empty space into a safe, efficient, highly capable propulsion test facility
- Collaborative leadership style with track record of enabling multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex technical systems
