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 - $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

$80K - $85K *

Drive your engineering career while learning the intricate design processes of commercial buildings. Collaborate with senior staff, engage in diverse projects, and explore specialization paths as part...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $145K *

Elevate your career by overseeing technical operations and project management for battery energy storage systems. Drive cross-functional initiatives, mentor teams, and lead strategic improvements to o...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$255K - $290K *

Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $244K *

Shape the future of high-voltage transmission projects by leading design, planning, and execution efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical excellence and adherence to safe...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $250K *

Join a dynamic team as a senior leader to enhance transmission engineering services, oversee project delivery, and strengthen client relationships while driving innovation and growth in the energy sec...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$114K - $190K *

Join a team that's driving the successful execution of complex Power Conversion projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closure. Ensure financial performance, quality, and customer satisfacti...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$112K - $196K *

Lead subcontract administration efforts, ensuring compliance and effective negotiation while fostering relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Drive strategic procurement initiatives within the...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Lead product strategy and execution for a suite of wargaming tools, collaborating with users and engineers to transform complex technical capabilities into impactful solutions in high-stakes environme...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $170K *

Unlock potential by providing architectural engineering support for DOJ/BOP facilities. Collaborate on technical analyses, document reviews, and design recommendations to enhance decision-making and p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$224K - $431K *

Drive operational excellence by leading teams focused on incident management, maintenance, and customer readiness. Own the product roadmap while collaborating with infrastructure and service teams to...

RemoteRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $134K *

Pioneer innovative building automation designs, enhancing efficiency and quality. Collaborate with teams to deliver optimized solutions while mentoring junior staff and driving process improvements in...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Transform remote sensing capabilities by architecting advanced exploitation pipelines, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and developing innovative tools that enhance space observation analytics and mi...

Fairborn, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$72K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $175K *

Pioneer project success by leading the design and implementation of electrical systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while providing tech...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$155K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading HR initiatives, providing expert guidance, and managing project operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance workforce strategies and ensure compliance while driving organ...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $181K *

Join a team that's driving strategic proposal development and contract negotiations. You'll lead the commercial proposal process, ensuring compliance and profitability while collaborating with cross-f...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by leading innovative electric transmission projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and guiding environmental permitting efforts. Engage directly with clients while fost...

Philadelphia, PARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Transform scientific research with innovative AI methods. Collaborate across teams to design, test, and implement state-of-the-art models that advance academic discovery and impact the future of scien...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.