Senior Research and Development Technician

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 are seeking a hands-on Senior R&D Technician to support and lead complex structural testing programs. This role is critical to ensuring components and systems are tested accurately, safely, and efficiently, while elevating test execution through expert methods, robust setups, and disciplined processes. The Sr. R&D Technician transforms test results into clear, actionable engineering insights that reduce technical risk, improve product quality, and keep development programs on schedule.

You will work closely with Test Engineers and cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and refine structural tests from concept through completion. As a senior subject-matter expert, you will proactively identify issues, define best practices, mentor others, and ensure testing is consistently executed to a high technical standard.

The Role

Technical Leadership & Subject-Matter Expertise

• Serve as a senior subject matter expert for structural test execution at component, subsystem, and vehicle levels.
• Lead complex testing activities, ensuring technical accuracy, safety, and efficiency of all test operations.
• Provide expert input on test methods, instrumentation, fixturing, and data quality, defining and maintaining best practices across the department.
• Troubleshoot and resolve advanced test setup, instrumentation, hydraulic, and control system issues with minimal oversight.
• Support and contribute to test strategy development in collaboration with Test Engineers and other stakeholders. 

Test Execution & Integration

• Coordinate and integrate test support activities with Test Engineers and cross-functional teams (design, CAE, production, fabrication, manufacturing).
• Lead the setup, execution, and teardown of complex structural tests, including installation of hydraulic actuators, valves, hoses, and measurement systems.
• Support test rig design, prototyping, fabrication, and validation, providing manufacturability and testability input.
• Conduct visual inspections of test specimens during and after testing, identifying anomalies, damage progression, and failure modes.
• Perform system checks, preventive maintenance, and periodic inspections to ensure test readiness and reliability.

Equipment, Facilities & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee maintenance, calibration, and proper use of test equipment, ensuring compliance with internal standards and external requirements.
• Proactively identify, develop, and implement improvements to test processes, equipment, safety, and workspace organization.
• Support the development of new test capabilities, tools, and fixtures to meet evolving R&D needs.

Data, Documentation & Reporting

• Generate clear, comprehensive test documentation and reports, summarizing test setups, execution details, observations, and key findings.
• Ensure accurate data recording and traceability using software tools such as Excel and internal data management systems.
• Ensure proper documentation of all test activities.

R&D Support & Compliance

• Support specialized and non-standard R&D testing, including rapid iteration, prototype evaluation, and experimental test programs.
• Follow and help to refine Divergent’s standard test procedures, contributing to continuous improvement and standardization.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls.
• Extensive hands-on experience in structural, mechanical, or durability testing at the component, subsystem, or vehicle/system level.
• Strong working knowledge of structural test methods, load application techniques, and failure modes.
• Proficiency with hydraulic test systems, including actuators, valves, manifolds, pumps, and high-pressure hoses.
• Experience with test instrumentation and measurement systems (e.g., load cells, strain gauges, LVDTs, displacement sensors).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot complex test setups and equipment issues.
• Experience supporting test rig design, fabrication, and prototyping activities.
• Working knowledge of data acquisition systems and basic data analysis using tools such as Excel.
• Ability to generate clear, accurate test documentation and reports.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering, production, and fabrication teams.
• Demonstrated accountability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience in structural testing for automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing applications.
• Experience with servo-hydraulic control systems and advanced test control software.
• Experience with strain gauge installation, wiring, shunt calibration, and signal verification.
• Familiarity with fatigue, static, quasi-static, and durability testing methodologies.

Work Environment

• Test Laboratories
• Office

What We Offer Our Regular, Full-Time Employees:

• 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.

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