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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$105K - $155K *
Shape project success by leading engineering efforts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within scope...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advanced mechanical design for controllable propulsion systems. Manage a talented engineering team, tackle complex design challenges, and ensure alignment of mission goals with engi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$84K - $129K *
Lead the design and analysis of electrical systems for nuclear power plants. Collaborate with engineers and vendors to ensure project success, focusing on reliability and compliance. Engage in trouble...
1 week ago
$85K - $165K *
Champion safety in innovative nuclear fuel recycling by evaluating hazards, developing safety documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance safety measu...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $170K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of energy through advanced power system modeling and compliance assessments. Collaborate with a dynamic team to conduct studies, ensure project quality, and drive...
2 weeks ago
Rail and Transit Sr Technical Director - Traction Power
$176K - $332K *
Lead the charge in advancing rail electrification projects across the U.S. West Region. Drive technical excellence, manage project delivery, and mentor a high-performing team while fostering client re...
1 week ago
$83K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering in data centers. Collaborate on design, construction, and commissioning while developing AI tools to enhance efficiency. This role offer...
6 days ago
Quality Engineer - Spacecraft Manufacturing
$90K - $173K *
Optimize supplier performance and quality in a dynamic aerospace environment. Lead critical supplier assessments from qualification to delivery, ensuring compliance with high engineering standards and...
3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer 4 - Washington State Ferries
$100K - $135K *
Elevate your career by applying your maritime electrical engineering expertise to enhance the safety and reliability of Washington's ferry fleet. Join a dedicated team focused on innovative vessel mod...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion power system analysis by conducting modeling for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards, and delivering high-quality technical reports while managing multiple...
6 days ago
Software Engineer 4 (Commercial Nuclear)
$113K - $178K *
Drive your career with a senior role focused on software development for control room simulators, collaborating with engineers to enhance plant models and ensure high-quality deliverables in a dynamic...
1 week ago
$70K - $117K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in structural engineering to ensure the integrity and safety of marine vessels. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support critical naval operations and e...
1 week ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer (Starship)
$130K - $155K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical systems for revolutionary aerospace projects. Collaborate across disciplines to design, test, and iterate on flight hardware while empowering hands-on engagement with...
4 weeks ago
Thermal-Hydraulics and Safety Analysis Engineer - Isotopes
$150K - $200K *
Engineer cutting-edge thermal-hydraulic safety analyses to enhance isotope reactor designs, ensuring compliance with licensing while collaborating across disciplines to connect safety functions and op...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...
1 week ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Mission Critical
$118K - $180K *
Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects, mentoring junior engineers while designing complex systems and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams t...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance wi...
1 week ago
Project Manager, Hydrogen Systems (Pre-Construction & Permitting Focus)
$86K - $135K *
Lead the charge in optimizing pre-construction workflows for hydrogen systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely project execution and regulatory compliance, driving efficiency an...
1 week ago
$140K - $170K *
Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Remote Senior Aviation Design Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Transform airport infrastructure by leading design projects, preparing engineering reports, and collaborating on innovative solutions in a dynamic aviation environment. Drive your career forward with...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Engineer - AV Sensor Design
$238K - $365K *
Join a team that's redefining lidar technology for autonomy products. Lead the technical strategy, collaborate with experts, and drive innovations from concept to production, ensuring performance and...
1 week ago
Power Systems Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Innovate the future of power systems by designing automated tools for transmission planning. Collaborate with engineers to enhance workflows, ensuring reliable results that utilities and developers tr...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative cooling solutions through hands-on design, testing, and validation of refrigeration products while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to ensure suc...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $205K *
Shape the future of electric power projects by providing expert development support, technical evaluations, and engineering design reviews. Collaborate with clients to optimize project outcomes while...
6 days ago
What does a propulsion engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.