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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$63K - $111K *

Empower mission success by assessing utility vulnerabilities and enhancing infrastructure resilience against diverse threats. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure operational continuity...

United StatesRemote

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$80K - $90K *

Oversee and coordinate complex construction projects nationwide, managing documentation, submittals, and scheduling while ensuring quality and cost control. Collaborate with project teams to deliver p...

Rockford, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Lead a dynamic engineering pod, ensuring high-quality code delivery while fostering team growth and collaboration. Stay hands-on with development, manage performance, and drive innovation in a fast-pa...

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Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$93K - $136K *

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United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$92K - $166K *

Pioneer your career in transmission engineering, leading major EPC projects while driving innovation and technology development. Shape processes and tools that enhance project delivery and client sati...

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Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $180K *

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2 days ago

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$90K - $145K *

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Cottage Grove, WIRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by leading structural test projects, coordinating with engineering teams, and implementing innovative testing solutions. Engage in both small component and large assembly tests, en...

Greensboro, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$157K - $283K *

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United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $140K *

Deliver impactful project leadership in a multi-phase AI integration program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals while fostering collaboration across technical and leadership...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Lead the design and implementation of robust software for next-gen autonomous vehicle systems, enhancing safety and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to innovate and propel advancements in AI-drive...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Drive product vision and growth at the intersection of AI and science. Leverage strategic and technical expertise to define, prioritize, and enhance cutting-edge product capabilities while collaborati...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $285K *

Transform complex spacecraft systems through leadership in integration, architecture, and verification, ensuring mission success. Collaborate across disciplines to define strategic requirements and fo...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$132K - $251K *

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1 week ago

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$120K - $145K *

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Washington, DCRemote

Today

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

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of autonomous driving by leading trajectory generation and controls. Collaborate across teams to deliver safe, optimized solutions while enhancing vehicle performance through innovati...

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3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$107K - $195K *

Drive the implementation of the Radar Surveillance Replacement program by serving as a field engineer, ensuring successful installation and consultation at critical airport sites while collaborating w...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$157K - $283K *

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1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

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Oklahoma, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic Site Design team to manage and execute civil engineering projects, ensuring quality design and effective communication with clients and teams. Contribute to impactful land development i...

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2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and scale integrated hardware and software systems, ensuring reliability, quality, and operational effectiveness in...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful IT infrastructure programs by transforming complex challenges into structured solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency and reliability in data centers, network systems...

Menlo Park, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$180K - $200K *

Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $113K *

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$146K - $192K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical 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.