Senior Research and Development Technician

Torrance, CAfull time

On Site

senior

H1B: no

Divergent Senior Research and Development Technician at Divergent leads complex structural testing programs ensuring accuracy, safety, and efficiency. The role involves technical leadership, test execution, and continuous improvement of test methods and equipment.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualification

Proficiency with hydraulic test systemsExperience supporting test rig designAbility to generate clearDemonstrated accountabilityFamiliarity with fatigueWork EnvironmentTest Laboratories

Required

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

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