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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$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Wisconsin, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Marysville, OHRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Denver, CORemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.