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.
Senior Principle, Transportation Optimization
$170K - $220K *
Champion transportation optimization by leading strategic initiatives that enhance service, cost efficiency, and network performance across global operations. Drive innovation in operating models and...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career with impactful identity and access management solutions. Collaborate with teams and clients to enhance security and efficiency through innovative technology implementations and opera...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Electronic Security Systems Engineer
$88K - $154K *
Engineer innovative Electronic Security Systems solutions for diverse clients, guiding projects from concept to construction. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with specifications and delive...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Elevate your career by leading the programming and commissioning of advanced automated packaging equipment while collaborating with customers, engineers, and international teams to optimize automation...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Forensic Electrical Engineer & Technical Lead, US
$210K *
Lead the charge in forensic electrical investigations, guiding a team through complex analyses of system failures and providing expert insights. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to ensure h...
2 weeks ago
Senior Lead Electrical Engineer
$148K - $200K *
Champion innovative electrical design for mission-critical facilities. Lead complex projects, mentor teams, and enhance efficiency through technology. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project s...
1 week ago
Senior Project and Portfolio Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in establishing a robust project management portfolio, optimizing planning and execution processes at the Space Weather Prediction Center. Drive continuous improvement and support lead...
Today
Senior Engineering Manager, Clients Team
$242K - $275K *
Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Multi-disciplinary Project Manager
$85K - $130K *
Grow and lead complex multidisciplinary projects from initiation to completion. Collaborate with diverse teams and clients to deliver high-quality results while managing budgets, schedules, and relati...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the energy landscape by leading innovative substation projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable solutions for utilities and renewable energy clients while mentor...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Grow expertise in advanced BAS applications while mentoring peers, troubleshooting complex systems, and supporting projects throughout their lifecycle to drive success and foster innovation in buildin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Federal & Regulated Infrastructure
$215K - $315K *
Lead the charge in building secure, compliant infrastructure for our DaaS platform. Drive engineering excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet the needs of regulated customer...
2 days ago
$69K - $125K *
Join a team that's pivotal in supporting the FAA's new Air Traffic Control System. As an RSR Field Engineer, you'll oversee installations at critical airports, ensuring timely execution and high-quali...
2 weeks ago
$235K - $275K *
Advance your career by driving perception innovation in autonomous systems. Lead a team focusing on scene detection, environmental robustness, and scalable architectures. Collaborate on cutting-edge t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Support Engineering Manager - Americas
$120K - $145K *
The Technical Support Engineering Manager will lead a team of Support Engineers and Product Experts to resolve complex technical issues and enhance customer experience. This role involves collaboratin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Civil Engineer (Structural Specialty)
$100K - $170K *
Champion innovative structural engineering solutions for federal facilities. Lead design, review, and oversight of construction projects, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while enhancing s...
1 week ago
Senior Equipment Reliability Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Empower the reliability of equipment through data analysis, strategic methods, and proactive maintenance. Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize processes while enhancing reliability across ma...
Reposted 6 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of Precision Guided Munitions by leading capture strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with program objectives. Drive innovation and enhance program per...
3 days ago
$101K - $188K *
Drive the innovation of semi- and fully autonomous systems. Engage in research, algorithm development, and optimization to enhance AI and machine learning applications for diverse mission challenges...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $202K *
Create innovative AI-powered healthcare products by transforming complex workflows into intuitive applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful user experiences and own fe...
2 weeks ago
Senior Transmission Line Engineer (Remote)
$141K - $184K *
Lead the design of high voltage transmission lines, utilizing advanced engineering techniques and PLS-CADD software. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver comprehensive project documentat...
1 week ago
$171K - $202K *
Drive the creation and oversight of a risk framework that balances growth with security. Partner with cross-functional teams to implement risk strategies operationally, while conveying insights to exe...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $210K *
Transform environmental remediation projects as a technical leader, guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex regulatory challenges, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compl...
3 weeks ago
Manager/ Senior Manager (Power System Planning)
$120K - $160K *
Shape your career by leading projects in power system planning. Collaborate with clients to navigate regulatory challenges and enhance energy strategies, while managing teams and driving innovative so...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by providing expert radar engineering support for FAA modernization, enhancing technical solutions and ensuring effective integration and deployment within the National Airspace Syste...
Reposted today
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.