Senior Research and Development Technician

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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Test Laboratories
• Office