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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$165K - $250K *

Lead the charge in advancing product safety by developing robust safety frameworks and engaging with partners and regulators. Leverage a multi-disciplinary team to manage the path towards safe and com...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $115K *

Transform commissioning processes as you lead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for diverse data center projects. Build client relationships and enhance operational effectiveness with your...

Georgia, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI solutions by deploying and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with customers and engineers to enhance system performance and drive innovatio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$111K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative structural engineering solutions for utility-scale renewable energy projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive design excellence and mentor emerging ta...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $120K *

Contribute to power system studies for high-voltage substations, ensuring reliability and compliance. Collaborate with engineers, support project documentation, and drive continuous improvement initia...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$92K - $154K *

Drive your career by developing integrated power conversion solutions for diverse industries. Leverage your technical expertise to create innovative applications and enhance business opportunities in...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $120K *

Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$127K - $143K *

Drive innovative mechanical designs for district energy and low-carbon thermal systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, manage projects independently, and build strong client relationships...

Burlington, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Transform your career by leading complex, multi-billion-dollar power generation projects. Oversee all phases from development to execution, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence while foste...

Phoenix, AZRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $120K *

Champion innovative engineering solutions for gas transmission projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance design quality and operational performance while ensuring compliance with...

Warrenville, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$119K - $199K *

Drive the design and development of mechanical systems for nuclear projects. Lead a team of engineers, manage performance, and interface with senior management to ensure project success and alignment...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $193K *

Shape the future of autonomous vehicle testing by leading a team to develop and implement innovative test strategies, ensuring safety and performance standards are met across multiple vehicle programs...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K *

Engage with a dynamic team to elevate engineering excellence by leading managers and analysts, ensuring project execution aligns with performance goals, and driving professional growth across the regi...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$107K *

Optimize quality assurance processes as a Journeyman Electrician, ensuring compliance and performance through detailed inspections, audits, and cross-functional collaboration while enhancing manufactu...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of power connector innovation, leading product development initiatives while driving cross-functional collaboration and mentoring engineering talent to deliver hig...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$177K - $212K *

Develop and deploy advanced ML models for multi-object tracking, ensuring robust performance in autonomous vehicles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance tracking algorithms and improve...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$136K - $170K *

Drive impactful infrastructure solutions by collaborating with engineering teams to resolve blockers, execute migrations, and develop tooling. Leverage your expertise to enhance platform adoption and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by managing diverse EV projects, ensuring successful delivery through collaboration, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement. Drive project excellence while naviga...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by joining a senior role shaping transportation noise and vibration analysis. Lead project delivery, client engagement, and business development for complex transportation projects ac...

Dallas, TXRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$75K - $94K *

Innovate proposal strategies by leading the development of cohesive submissions, coordinating resources, and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance win themes and impr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative electrical engineering solutions for complex industrial projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams from concept to construction, ensuring quality and client satisfaction while fostering b...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $129K *

Advance your career by leveraging your expertise in solid rocket motor ballistics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to perform detailed analyses, provide technical leadership, and drive innovat...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $180K *

Contribute to the compliance framework and processes for regulated facilities. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve regulatory commitment while ensuring safe and efficient operations o...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Drive progress at our company by leading a team of SCADA engineers to implement advanced Ignition SCADA systems in data centers, ensuring quality execution and mentoring talent while managing multiple...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $188K *

Contribute to the development of embedded software for nuclear systems. Lead a team ensuring design compliance, execute project plans, and enhance operational efficiency. Drive collaboration across di...

Wilmington, NCRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.