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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$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

Yesterday

  •   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

$175K - $190K *

Explore strategic leadership in mechanical engineering, guiding a team of experts to innovate and deliver top-tier data center solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape engineering standards...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Engage in leading a diverse technical team to drive innovative engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and t...

Warren, MIRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $128K *

Empower progress at the forefront of HVAC systems commissioning, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency through hands-on testing and verification in construction and renovation projects ac...

New York, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$205K - $282K *

Join us in shaping the future of audio technology as a Chief Product Engineer, overseeing product engineering strategies, licensing, and R&D integration for consumer audio innovations. Drive technical...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Help us lead complex capital projects by overseeing technical and operational management, ensuring timely delivery, and mentoring a talented team for excellence in bulk material handling and construct...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive high-impact mechanical infrastructure projects in senior housing, focusing on HVAC, plumbing, and energy efficiency improvements while serving as a key technical expert and project manager for n...

Texas, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Provide expert design and consultation for innovative water resources projects, collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with standards while maintaining project timelines and quality...

San Juan, PRRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$90K - $110K *

Drive innovation by deploying and troubleshooting advanced IP networks in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to integrate cutting-edge security technologies while ensuring seamless connectiv...

Devault, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$85K - $100K *

Lead the charge in diverse civil engineering projects, applying advanced principles to design and oversee site development. Collaborate with teams, manage project scopes, and ensure successful executi...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Optimize the AI core systems transforming public records into actionable data. Collaborate with research and engineering to enhance scalability, efficiency, and accuracy across national applications...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$160K - $190K *

Empower your career by leading logistics strategy for hydrogen transportation. Drive operational excellence, manage a $15M budget, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supply chain p...

Texas, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

As a Systems Engineer, you will leverage your expertise in material handling systems to develop functional layouts that meet client processing goals. You will collaborate with the Sales and Pre-Contra...

Franklin, TNRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $204K *

Transform cost engineering by leading modeling and benchmarking efforts, driving transparency in supplier negotiations across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative cost soluti...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $222K *

Elevate your career by managing diverse transmission and distribution projects. Oversee project lifecycle, ensuring safety, budget adherence, and effective resource management while fostering team acc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $120K *

Explore your potential by designing and optimizing electrical systems for solar and BESS projects. Deliver high-quality, code-compliant designs while collaborating with a dynamic team to enhance custo...

Goodhue, MNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $155K *

Empower your career by leading a dynamic mechanical design team in developing innovative material handling solutions. Drive technical excellence and ensure compliance while managing projects from conc...

Atlanta, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $180K *

Lead transformative highway projects that enhance transportation networks and community connectivity. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success from planning through delivery...

Hartford, CTRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career with a key role supporting the global launch and technical operations of radiopharmaceuticals, driving compliance, quality initiatives, and collaboration with CDMOs while leading...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.