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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$110K - $159K *

Make your mark at the forefront of innovation as a Senior Technical Project Manager, overseeing proposal development, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring successful project execu...

Delaware, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative engineering solutions by leading multi-site projects, enhancing infrastructure, and driving operational improvements to ensure safety and efficiency across facilities...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$118K - $147K *

Drive high-stakes architectural design for complex technology projects, ensuring innovative solutions from concept through execution while collaborating with leading global firms in a multidisciplinar...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $135K *

Drive operational excellence by leveraging data analysis and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead initiatives that enhance performance across functions, mentor teams, and align improvements with strateg...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead complex marine inspection projects, ensuring technical excellence and strong client relationships while mentoring staff and managing multi-disciplinary teams across div...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $163K *

Empower your career by leading the design of high voltage transmission lines. Utilize advanced engineering techniques and collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver innovative solutions and en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$250K - $300K *

Join a team that's shaping the brand and product experience. You'll create visually compelling designs, develop marketing materials, and collaborate with engineers to enhance our product in a fast-pac...

Mexico, MORemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead thermal performance analysis for power plants, modeling cycles, conducting tests, and collaborating with teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance with project requirements. Occasional t...

Lenexa, KSRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$74K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading design efforts in transportation projects, utilizing OpenRoads Designer. Collaborate with engineers to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring compliance with stan...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$130K - $170K *

Shape the future of capital projects by leading multi-discipline teams to deliver complex design packages, ensuring quality and client satisfaction across diverse sectors including healthcare and gove...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining automation by leading technical sales efforts, collaborating with clients to identify automation opportunities, and transforming production challenges into innovative sol...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative structural design and analysis, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with teams and clients to solve problems, manage projects, and support sales efforts, driving success i...

Chicago, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive quality assurance excellence across cloud, IoT, and firmware systems by designing and executing innovative test strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and perf...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$137K - $231K *

Empower your career by shaping design systems that enhance user experience. Collaborate with teams to build high-quality, interactive UI across platforms, ensuring accessibility and performance while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $195K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of design engineering by developing innovative systems that enhance user experience across web and mobile platforms. Your expertise will drive quality and perform...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $166K *

Champion project execution and risk management in complex energy infrastructure, driving operational efficiency and digital innovation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance projec...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$90K - $125K *

Transform transmission line design by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver innovative solutions an...

Mechanicsburg, PARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Advance enterprise threat detection capabilities by developing high-fidelity detections across security platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance defensive posture and mentor junio...

Tennessee, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Lead the charge in advancing electrical infrastructure services, driving strategic growth and operational excellence across heavy industrial sectors. Foster client relationships and mentor teams to en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative CAE model development, guiding teams to enhance product efficiency and accuracy through advanced methods and collaboration with engineering experts...

Raymond, OHRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Drive customer success by engaging in pre and post-sales technical support, showcasing innovative radar solutions, and fostering strong relationships. Collaborate with teams to enhance product offerin...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $241K *

Engage in the safe and efficient management of large-scale construction projects. Oversee field activities, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, and coordinate resources to achie...

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2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $155K *

Join a dynamic team as the primary technical interface for launch vehicle integration. Oversee spacecraft processing and ensure mission success through effective collaboration with providers and inter...

Titusville, FLRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$190K - $220K *

Champion financial excellence by leading a dynamic team, driving strategic analysis, and leveraging AI to enhance decision-making for a diverse portfolio of clients in a fast-paced, remote environment...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.