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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$95K - $129K *

Drive the design and integration of mechanical components for solid rocket motors, ensuring performance and safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle, from conce...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $180K *

Optimize system performance as a Senior Performance Engineer, focusing on latency and resource management. Collaborate with robotics teams to enhance high-throughput execution reliability and efficien...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to lead analytical quality in consulting engagements, developing research approaches and guiding teams. You'll ensure sound methodologies, oversee data analysis, and translate findings...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$135K - $150K *

Develop and expand advanced orbit design processes for satellite constellations, applying expertise in orbital mechanics. Collaborate with teams to enhance modeling tools and support mission planning...

Seattle, WARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K - $155K *

Explore a dynamic role combining application engineering with hands-on field support. Collaborate with customers and teams to troubleshoot and optimize solutions, ensuring successful installations and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative scientific software for MPAS infrastructure, enhancing model integration and performance across HPC platforms while collaborating with diverse teams to advance...

College Park, MDRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$159K - $213K *

Shape the future of urban infrastructure by leading engineering initiatives, guiding a talented team, and influencing community development. Drive strategic planning and operational excellence to enha...

Roseville, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$141K - $188K *

Oversee the local radiation safety program, ensuring compliance with regulations. Mentor staff, manage resources, and represent the organization in communication with regulators. Drive continuous impr...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$250K - $290K *

Elevate your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategy and innovation in web3 technologies. Shape the future of decentralized systems while ensuring top-tier security and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $146K *

Elevate technical execution across utility-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery. Lead project governance, interface with stakeholders, and drive continuous i...

Charlottesville, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $149K *

Join a team that drives the integration and operation of advanced space systems for government and commercial missions. Contribute to multifaceted projects while collaborating with a diverse engineeri...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$111K - $150K *

Drive innovative civil engineering solutions for utility-scale solar projects. Lead design teams, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality project execution while collaborating with clients and stake...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Transform energy solutions by leading diverse projects, conducting analyses, and collaborating with clients. Utilize engineering expertise to drive efficiency and sustainability in various sectors, en...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $115K *

Elevate team performance and delivery by leading a technical group, setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and managing project needs while ensuring quality and employee development in a dy...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the future of energy by leading a team of power system engineers. Oversee client projects, drive business development, and enhance capabilities within the organization while ensuring high-qua...

Austin, TXRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Build robust software solutions by developing application and test code, while steering implementation decisions in a collaborative Agile environment. Contribute to complex architectures using modern...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $145K *

Join our team as a Mechanical Designer specializing in HVAC, where you'll lead innovative projects across diverse sectors, collaborate with engineers, and enhance client experiences through expert des...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$132K - $220K *

Lead the charge in managing Renewable Energy Hydro Projects, driving execution strategies to maximize performance, ensuring timely delivery, and fostering strong customer relationships while overseein...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $147K *

Join our dynamic MEP/FP team to lead plumbing design for diverse projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and technical consistency while mentoring engineers and coordinating with multidisciplinar...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$138K - $188K *

Innovate project management processes from inception to delivery in the Nuclear Power sector, ensuring timely execution, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement, while maintaining operational exce...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Innovate within a dynamic team to lead electrical engineering design for grid modernization projects. Drive client engagement and mentor junior engineers while ensuring high-quality deliverables in a...

Houston, TXRemote

Yesterday

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

$95K - $135K *

Empower communities by leading impactful water resources engineering projects. Collaborate effectively to design innovative solutions, manage project schedules, and ensure compliance with environmenta...

Columbia, MDRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $115K *

Lead Protection & Controls projects from kickoff to closeout, ensuring high-quality engineering deliverables and effective customer coordination. Collaborate with teams to manage project risks and del...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Champion growth by leading strategic account management, driving client relationships, and expanding EPE's footprint. Balance hands-on account management with team leadership to ensure consistent prac...

Austin, TXRemote

2 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.