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

$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

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leveraging semiconductor expertise to analyze emerging technologies and market trends. Drive strategic insights and recommendations for automotive applications while collaborating...

Raymond, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$138K - $163K *

Drive the evolution of software solutions for healthcare quality reporting, leading engineering teams to deliver innovative, high-quality products while fostering a culture of collaboration and contin...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $160K *

Drive operational excellence by leading process and manufacturing engineering initiatives. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, product quality, and scalability while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate your career by managing innovative projects in autonomous driving. Lead multidisciplinary teams, mitigate risks, and drive solutions through data analysis and effective communication in a d...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$157K - $174K *

Elevate technical execution in GMP manufacturing by leading complex workstreams for comparability strategies, tech transfers, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geotechnical engineering by overseeing project analysis and design. Contribute your expertise to investigations, data evaluation, and mentoring while ensuring...

Canonsburg, PARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $205K *

Explore a pivotal role in designing high-voltage transmission lines, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Collaborate with clients and lead design activities to deliver...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role overseeing commissioning for utility-scale PV and BESS projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless execution, optimize processes, and manage techn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$68K - $113K *

Join our Field Engineering Program to develop technical expertise and leadership skills. Gain hands-on experience in supporting power generation installations and maintenance while traveling to custom...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Architect robust AI infrastructure to detect and mitigate emerging threats. Drive innovation in data ingestion and model tuning while managing complex pipelines in a high-stakes environment that evolv...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $160K *

Unlock potential by designing and implementing medium and high-voltage power systems for innovative renewable energy projects, ensuring compliance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams acro...

Springfield, MORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$240K - $330K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of machine learning by leading a high-performing group dedicated to optimizing data pipelines and enhancing perception modeling. Drive innovation and collaboratio...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in verifying embedded flight software, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop testing strategies, create effective tooling, and...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $170K *

Transform your career by leading mechanical design projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior staff while ensuring compliance with industry standards and delivering high...

Sacramento, CARemote

Yesterday

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

$112K - $117K *

Join a team that's committed to ensuring quality assurance in procurement processes. Play a key role in interfacing with engineering, procurement, and project teams to uphold standards through effecti...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$125K - $185K *

Drive your career forward by ensuring safety and reliability in aerospace programs. Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate risks, support mission readiness, and uphold rigorous safety standard...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing aviation safety through rigorous software verification and testing. This role involves developing and executing test cases for critical avionics systems, ensu...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's leading power plant projects, focusing on mechanical design and execution. This role offers flexibility and the chance to impact high-stakes projects across the power sector while c...

Greenville, SCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Unlock technical excellence by providing critical support for product implementations, ensuring seamless installations and troubleshooting for diverse technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$90K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading structural evaluations and repair engineering for asset integrity. Collaborate with teams to ensure sound engineering solutions and support long-term asset management in a...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $180K *

Optimize geomechanical solutions for mining projects by integrating data, developing models, and providing technical recommendations. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance project outcomes and me...

Ontario, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$123K - $185K *

Lead the charge in optimizing process control and equipment projects across multiple manufacturing plants, driving improvements and ensuring effective implementation in the Feed Manufacturing Operatio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$130K - $160K *

Transform the future of AI by architecting core building blocks for agentic systems, ensuring robust infrastructure and shared primitives that enhance collaboration across teams and drive innovation i...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.