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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$134K - $205K *

Play a key role in ensuring quality standards for heavy industrial construction projects. Collaborate with contractors to oversee compliance, conduct audits, and maintain documentation, ensuring peak...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$105K - $145K *

Elevate your career by designing and executing overhead transmission line projects. Collaborate across disciplines, mentor junior engineers, and ensure project quality and safety while engaging with c...

Pasadena, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$166K - $200K *

Lead the charge in advancing power system simulation and grid engineering. Drive innovative research and advisory services while establishing EPRI's technical vision in grid modernization and DER inte...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $241K *

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1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$135K - $160K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $383K *

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6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$225K - $270K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by developing advanced software for maritime route optimization, focusing on vessel performance, simulation, and algorithm enhancement for government defense applications. Collabo...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $180K *

Lead innovative geotechnical engineering projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions for transportation, hydroelectric, and civil infrastructure. Drive design, analysis...

Vancouver, BCRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$111K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and integration of advanced electrical control systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance efficiency and mentor junior members while ensuring proj...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in designing overhead transmission lines while collaborating with utility clients. Own comprehensive design packages and contribute to impactful engineering decisions in a dynamic, rem...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by designing high-voltage transmission lines, leading project teams, and collaborating with clients. Utilize your engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions and mentor j...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $207K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by working in a collaborative team to design, analyze, and improve complex control systems in nuclear power plants, focusing on innovative solutions and critical project executio...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $110K *

Shape the future of utility design by leading a team in joint-use and electrical distribution projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to safety standards while fostering client relationships...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$119K - $213K *

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Pine Bluff, ARRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Elevate Navy operations by driving strategic growth in mission solutions, leveraging strong relationships and deep operational insight to identify challenges, develop integrated capabilities, and secu...

Norfolk, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

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Washington, DCRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $125K *

Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading electrical engineering design for innovative projects. Collaborate with experts to enhance grid modernization and mentor emerging talent while...

Houston, TXRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering high voltage engineering projects, overseeing complex substation and interconnection initiatives while ensuring successful execution and fostering collaboration among div...

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$70K - $130K *

Join our dynamic team as we drive AI adoption forward! You'll coordinate training engagements, manage events, and enhance team communications, all while supporting our mission to innovate and improve...

New Jersey, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.