Propulsion Engineer Jobs

Propulsion engineers design, analyze, test, and improve the systems that move aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and other high-performance platforms. Their work may involve rocket engines, gas turbines, electric propulsion, fuel systems, combustion, and thermal management. Explore vetted Propulsion Engineer opportunities on Ladders, focused on professional roles paying $100,000 or more.

What Propulsion Engineers Do

Responsibilities vary by employer and product, but can include developing propulsion concepts, building performance models, evaluating components, interpreting test data, and supporting systems through design, qualification, and production. Engineers also collaborate across disciplines such as aerodynamics, structures, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering to meet performance, safety, reliability, and cost goals.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Many roles call for a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline, along with experience in propulsion or thermal-fluid systems. Employers may seek knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, turbomachinery, materials, simulation tools, and experimental testing. Depending on the position, familiarity with requirements management, technical documentation, and regulated or defense programs may also be valuable.

Industries and Career Paths

Propulsion engineers work across aerospace, commercial aviation, space exploration, launch services, defense, and advanced technology. Career paths can lead to senior or principal engineering positions, technical leadership, chief engineering, program management, or specialized work in engine performance, combustion, testing, or electric propulsion.

Find Propulsion Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by employer, location, experience level, and technical focus to find a position aligned with your expertise and career goals. Job requirements and compensation vary by opening.

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$120K - $180K *

Analyze and validate dynamic behavior of liquid rocket propulsion systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve engine test data and enhance analytical predictions, ensuring optimal perf...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $135K *

Design and develop propulsion systems while collaborating with diverse teams. Lead projects, perform analyses, and conduct testing to create high-performance spacecraft in a dynamic, innovative enviro...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Pioneer innovative propulsion systems for spacecraft, focusing on design, integration, and testing. Collaborate with a skilled team to influence operations and contribute to lunar lander missions, enh...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Empower innovation as a Design & Analysis Engineer, collaborating across disciplines to develop cutting-edge solid rocket motor components. Drive technical excellence while balancing performance, cost...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Lead the charge in innovative propulsion engineering, collaborating across disciplines to design and analyze solid rocket motor components, ensuring optimal performance, cost, and schedule for critica...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $136K *

Lead the charge in supporting assembly and testing of propulsion systems, ensuring high-quality hardware performance across satellite programs while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achiev...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading propulsion test campaigns and ensuring reliable performance of advanced defense systems. Collaborate on hardware, test infrastructure, and data analysis to drive rapid deve...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Drive the design and integration of propulsion and mechanical systems for an innovative aerospace platform, ensuring compliance and performance across multiple subsystems while collaborating with cros...

Mirabel, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating propulsion systems through analysis, design, and testing of complex components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver optimized solutions that m...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $110K *

Transform battery design through advanced structural analysis and optimization. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure quality and efficiency in product development while meeting deadlines and e...

Warren, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Optimize battery design and verification through advanced structural analysis, ensuring performance and safety while collaborating with engineering teams to meet project timelines and quality standard...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $160K *

Engineer propulsion systems and processes, ensuring quality and safety while meeting production timelines. Collaborate across teams to resolve discrepancies and drive continuous improvement in manufac...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Lead the development of in-space propulsion systems, overseeing fluid subsystems from design to integration. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure optimal performance and reliability across mission...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Engineer innovative propulsion systems through the full product lifecycle, from design to integration. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure optimal performance and reliability in space missions, d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Innovate cutting-edge solid rocket motor designs, ensuring technical excellence and production efficiency. Collaborate across teams to drive rapid iterations and deliver high-quality propulsion soluti...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Shape the future of propellant technology by driving process development and manufacturing excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges and enhance safety and qualit...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $134K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and analysis of propulsion systems. Collaborate across teams to develop and refine aerospace technologies, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the produc...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of turbopump hardware throughout its lifecycle, leading design, analysis, and testing efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance, while drivi...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation by developing, testing, and optimizing propulsion control software for electric vehicles to enhance performance and vehicle behaviors across multi-functional teams...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in advancing gas turbine technology through innovating design, production, and support initiatives. Collaborate across teams to ensure project success, shaping industry standards while...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovation by owning the design of propulsion modules and integrating in-house components, ensuring they meet rigorous aerospace standards while collaborating across engineering and manufactu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by contributing to the design and development of advanced rocket propulsion systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to innovate and enhance propulsion technologies for sub-orbital ve...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $135K *

Elevate your career by designing and testing solid rocket motors for interceptor platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and gain hands-on experience from design to static fire, while contr...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $195K *

Drive the design and realization of electromechanical propulsion components, collaborating with a dynamic team to innovate high-performance spacecraft solutions from concept to completion...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$84K - $87K *

Engage as a Junior Engineer, tackling complex engineering challenges with guidance. Deliver optimized technical solutions while contributing to project management and team leadership in aviation propu...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a propulsion engineer do?question toggle

    A propulsion engineer designs, analyzes, tests, or improves systems that generate thrust or power for vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, and launch vehicles. Specific duties depend on the technology and employer.

  • What qualifications are common for propulsion engineer jobs?question toggle

    Many positions seek a bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, plus relevant experience. Requirements may include expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, turbomachinery, modeling, or testing.

  • Which industries hire propulsion engineers?question toggle

    Common employers include aerospace and aviation companies, spaceflight and launch providers, defense contractors, and organizations developing advanced propulsion technologies.

  • What skills are useful in a propulsion engineering career?question toggle

    Useful skills include propulsion-system analysis, thermal-fluid sciences, simulation, test planning, data analysis, technical communication, and cross-functional collaboration. The most relevant skills vary by specialty and role.

  • Are Propulsion Engineer jobs on Ladders $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation and eligibility requirements vary by listing, so review each opening for current details.