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.
$131K - $205K *
Shape the future of electric power projects by providing expert development support, technical evaluations, and engineering design reviews. Collaborate with clients to optimize project outcomes while...
6 days ago
Senior Motion Planning Engineer - Safety-Layer
$172K - $229K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced motion planning algorithms for autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety and performance through rigorous design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration in dynam...
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Principal Software Verification & Validation Engineer
$168K - $280K *
Lead the charge in enhancing flight software validation and verification processes, impacting critical aerospace projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with rigorous st...
1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Engage in identifying and delivering industrial energy efficiency solutions across North America. Collaborate with teams to assess systems, develop technical solutions, and support projects from incep...
1 week ago
$146K - $192K *
Drive project success by providing engineering support and technical evaluations for electric power generation projects. Collaborate with clients on design reviews, economic analysis, and risk assessm...
1 week ago
Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's modernizing nuclear power plants with cutting-edge control technologies. Lead and support diverse projects, ensuring effective execution and client satisfaction while collaborating...
1 week ago
Power Systems Optimization Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy by optimizing power systems. Leverage your expertise in mathematical optimization and transmission planning to develop innovative solutions for grid cha...
3 days ago
Chief Engineer Principal - Software
$118K - $204K *
Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...
Yesterday
Senior Power Systems Engineer - Modeling
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex interconnection studies and provide expertise in transmission planning. Collaborate with clients and staff to innovate solutions that shape the future of energy acr...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative power system solutions by conducting EMT studies and developing models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance team expertise and deliver quality advisory support to clients in the...
2 weeks ago
Software Power Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...
1 week ago
Mechanical Procurement Engineer Senior
$80K - $120K *
Help us drive procurement excellence by leveraging your mechanical engineering expertise to support strategic sourcing and supplier management for defense programs, ensuring quality and cost-effective...
Today
Mechanical Procurement Engineer Senior
$100K - $120K *
Lead strategic procurement initiatives by leveraging mechanical engineering expertise to optimize sourcing, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships for defense programs, ensuring qualit...
Yesterday
Senior Principal Engineer - Space Technology Development
$135K - $160K *
Inspire a high-performing engineering team in the U.S. space industry, driving technological advancements and ensuring compliance with safety and mission assurance standards while fostering talent and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...
Yesterday
$100K - $170K *
Lead the charge in developing and maintaining electrical engineering standards for correctional facilities. Oversee design reviews, ensure compliance, and provide technical expertise to enhance system...
1 week ago
$110K - $165K *
Shape your career by leading the onboarding and management of engineering tools, ensuring effective integration and sustainability across teams in a dynamic startup environment, fostering innovation a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Electrical/Solar Design Engineer- Utility Scale (Mid/Senior- Level)
$110K - $135K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of renewable energy through the design of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage systems. Collaborate with experienced engineers and drive the successful exec...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with our dynamic engineering team as you design and model innovative refrigerant and water piping systems using Solidworks, ensuring precision in product documentation and lifecycle management...
3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineering Consultant 2 - Nuclear
$145K - $222K *
Lead and mentor a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery and client satisfaction while coordinating multi-discipline efforts in the nuclear power sector...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer - Renewable Energy
$90K - $150K *
Drive innovative electrical engineering solutions for renewable energy projects, focusing on design, analysis, and collaboration. Engage with diverse teams to enhance processes and ensure compliance w...
2 days ago
Technical Program Manager-Flight Software
$151K - $251K *
Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Support our Energy Resources team by conducting EMT studies and developing power system models. Collaborate with leadership to enhance staff expertise and deliver high-quality advisory services to cli...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy through advanced EMT modeling and power system studies. Collaborate with leadership to deliver innovative solutions and provide expert guidance to clien...
1 week ago
$120K - $144K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...
1 week ago
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.