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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1
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$178K - $195K *

Lead critical recovery and rebuild projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and stakeholder needs while coordinating with various agencies and contractors in a fas...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

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

$120K - $140K *

Empower the R&D organization by leading technology strategy, engineering execution, and team development across a diverse healthcare software portfolio, ensuring alignment with market needs and operat...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $150K *

Shape the future of communication technology by providing expert technical support and training to diverse clients. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions while m...

Phoenix, AZRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in technical project management for energy initiatives. Oversee installations, ensure quality, and drive projects from kickoff to completion while building critical partnerships and im...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career by leading the development of groundbreaking chemical refining processes while optimizing controls for automated plant operations and enhancing team capabilities in a dynamic, gro...

Moab, UTRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$190K - $275K *

Champion innovation in aerospace as a technical authority, leading system architecture and integration for advanced interceptor products while ensuring mission success and technical integrity across m...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining network solutions by designing, implementing, and supporting advanced LAN, WAN, and wireless systems. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance network strateg...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $190K *

Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$59K - $106K *

Empower the future of energy by designing innovative transmission systems. Lead projects from concept to execution, ensuring compliance with industry standards while integrating renewable energy solut...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading structural design and analysis for utility projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring quality assurance. Contribute to innovative designs, mentoring junior en...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $134K *

Innovate and optimize our core fintech systems, leveraging AI-driven technologies while owning end-to-end product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure impactful user experien...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by providing expert E175 engineering support, analyzing technical problems, coordinating maintenance solutions, and delivering training to enhance operational excellence and client...

Dallas, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Grow your career with impactful transportation projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver engineering solutions from concept to construction while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring comp...

Greenville, SCRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$166K - $187K *

Champion program operations by overseeing business development, quality, logistics, and financial performance. Collaborate with clients and manage resources to enhance efficiency and drive new busines...

Columbia, SCRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$126K - $167K *

Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $193K *

Lead a team to develop metrics and analysis tools that enhance decision-making for autonomous driving software. Engage in hands-on data analysis, manage workflows, and drive insights to improve system...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Empower our Construction Management team by overseeing rail project operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and managing contractor activities to deliver successful infrastructure outco...

Bridgewater, NJRemote

2 days ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Shape cutting-edge electrical substation projects by leading design efforts, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring successful project delivery while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and...

Detroit, MIRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $177K *

Champion the delivery of safe, quality outage services and upgrades, ensuring customer satisfaction and project profitability while navigating a complex, matrixed environment in the nuclear power sect...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Engage with model partners to drive integration and launch of generative AI solutions. Own relationships end-to-end, negotiate terms, and collaborate across teams to scale partnerships and enhance our...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and optimization of mechanical systems for data centers, ensuring reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational perform...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$84K - $87K *

Unlock potential by leveraging engineering expertise to analyze, design, and deliver innovative solutions for diverse civil projects, collaborating across disciplines to meet client needs and regulato...

Illinois, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$84K - $87K *

Launch your engineering career by contributing to innovative civil projects, utilizing advanced software, and collaborating across disciplines to shape the future built environment while adhering to r...

Illinois, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $192K *

Innovate as a Lead Distribution Engineer, overseeing design teams on complex distribution projects. Drive client relationships and enhance utility solutions, ensuring efficiency and compliance while f...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.