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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$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

1 month 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 *

Join a dynamic team to analyze solar PV energy yield assessments for utility-scale projects. Lead performance modeling and mentor engineers while expanding expertise across various renewable energy te...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $225K *

Oversee complex industrial construction projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely completion. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contractor performance, and coordinate with stakeholders to achi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$134K - $207K *

Drive cross-functional program management initiatives, ensuring successful execution from capture to delivery. Collaborate with stakeholders to align objectives, manage risks, and leverage GM's capabi...

United StatesRemote

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 1 week 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 *

Shape the future of energy projects by leading complex initiatives, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring client satisfaction across the project lifecycle in a dynamic and innovative environ...

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 *

Shape the future of Navy operations by driving growth through innovative tech solutions, building partnerships, and transforming mission challenges into successful program engagements and impactful ou...

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

Yesterday

  •   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...

United StatesRemote

4 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

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $110K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative civil engineering projects, delivering high-quality site designs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance renewable energy and infrastructure d...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$83K *

Join us to support the EVA Remote Observation Camera project by providing design, testing, and verification expertise. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot hardware and ensure project success in a d...

Houston, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $243K *

Join a team that's driving sustainment transformation and adoption across programs. As a Project Engineer Staff, you'll lead initiatives, coordinate projects, and enhance processes to ensure successfu...

Florida, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering solutions for diverse land development projects. Collaborate with teams, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality design while promoting efficie...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in ensuring technical excellence and quality across all P&C project deliverables. Provide mentorship, establish engineering standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to e...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$172K - $229K *

Lead the charge in designing and validating complex systems for autonomous vehicle performance, ensuring seamless integration between software, operations, and customer interfaces to support the launc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$153K - $213K *

Take ownership of a customer-facing product area, driving strategy and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experience, leverage AI, and achieve key performance metrics while deli...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative thermal solutions for power products, utilizing advanced simulations and engineering expertise to meet customer...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $124K *

Join a team that's dedicated to managing site activities, ensuring quality installations, and providing technical support in power generation. Contribute to customer satisfaction through effective mai...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$89K - $107K *

Partner with us to enhance map quality for autonomous vehicles, ensuring high-definition geospatial datasets meet rigorous standards for accuracy and safety. Collaborate across teams to develop effect...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.