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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$120K - $160K *

Join our dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge AI platforms, enhancing decision-making workflows through innovative web applications and robust backend services. Collaborate across the full...

Virginia, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop a next-gen AI platform, focusing on intelligent agent frameworks and modern web applications. Collaborate across the full stack to enhance decision-making wor...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$190K - $230K *

Champion strategic execution as a trusted partner to the CEO, optimizing operational flow and enhancing leadership team alignment while driving high-impact initiatives and cross-functional collaborati...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $260K *

Transform aircraft capabilities by integrating weapons and payloads. Collaborate with design teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with military standards while supporting testing...

Seattle, WARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Champion the development and integration of advanced manufacturing equipment and automation solutions, driving innovation and efficiency across multiple sites while collaborating with vendors and ensu...

Florida, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $250K *

Lead the charge in building high-throughput systems as you manage a team of engineers. Drive technical excellence and team growth while collaborating across functions to deliver innovative solutions i...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $115K *

Advance the development of EV charging infrastructure by supporting project management activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring project controls are effectively maintained a...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$82K - $87K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through technology. Lead and mentor a talented group of professionals in delivering high-performance computing solutions that support innovative rese...

Indiana, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$106K - $198K *

Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...

Colorado, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $152K *

Transform underground transmission line engineering by designing systems up to 500kV. Lead project teams, conduct cost analyses, and ensure compliance with industry standards while collaborating with...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$340K - $380K *

Join a dynamic team to drive enterprise growth in aerospace and energy sectors. Leverage your expertise to build strategic relationships, close high-value deals, and shape innovative engineering solut...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Engineer innovative mechanical solutions by translating architectural concepts into practical designs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines while leading HVAC standards and ensuring effective ex...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in transforming concepts into buildable systems by leveraging your expertise in applications engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver precise layouts, cost-effec...

Louisville, KYRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$82K - $172K *

Lead the charge in ensuring product quality for critical defense programs, overseeing quality management throughout the lifecycle, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving compliance with industry...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$93K - $126K *

Help us lead complex proposals and interviews, enhancing our proposal practices while mentoring colleagues and driving strategic improvements across the organization. Your expertise will shape our app...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$238K - $280K *

Lead the charge in developing autonomous attack workflows for external surfaces, leveraging your expertise to enhance reconnaissance capabilities and mentor engineers while driving strategic technical...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead a team to design and oversee civil structural projects, ensuring quality and technical excellence across all phases. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while managing diverse pr...

West Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$92K - $115K *

Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$66K - $106K *

Champion advanced testing and engineering support for healthcare systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and compliance throughout the system lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $220K *

Lead the strategy for manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless product transitions from design to production. Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize supplier capabilities while meeting cost...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate your career by partnering with leaders to develop innovative solutions, guide engineering best practices, and ensure high-quality infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to achieve technical...

Mclean, VARemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$84K - $129K *

Engineer underground transmission lines up to 500kV, overseeing design, cost analysis, and project coordination. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with standards and specifications while man...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$155K - $210K *

Advance your career by leading high voltage transmission line projects, utilizing PLS-CADD software. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and serve as a client-facing exp...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative civil designs for utility-scale solar and battery projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create site layouts, grading, and drainage plans, ensuring compliance and ef...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $260K *

Shape the future of fleet navigation by owning end-to-end projects, delivering high-quality software across platforms, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance user experiences in complex envir...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.