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.
$62K - $99K *
Join a dynamic team to perform critical inspections on aerospace components, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous imp...
1 week ago
$215K - $240K *
Shape the future of commercial operations by leading strategy, workflows, and data integration. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance brand performance and drive operational excellence across cro...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence, overseeing a team of 60 while driving AI initiatives and enhancing operational strategies. Collaborate with product leadership to elevate engineering practic...
6 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager, MSSP
$260K - $280K *
Innovate and lead the growth of a dynamic MSP/MSSP engineering team by driving scalable platform capabilities, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of quality and collaboration wit...
4 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Mobile Application
$180K - $195K *
Unlock your potential as you collaborate to develop enterprise Android applications, enhancing user experience through innovative design, coding, and testing. Join a dynamic team focused on delivering...
1 week ago
Engineering Supervisor Protection & Controls - Substation Services - REMOTE WORK
$140K - $165K *
Shape the future of electrical substations by leading design teams, managing projects, and ensuring best practices, while fostering client relationships and promoting safety and compliance in a dynami...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Foundry Integration Engineer
$126K - $173K *
Drive integration strategies to enhance silicon photonic fabrication, collaborating with foundries to evolve processes from development to production while ensuring robust performance and reproducibil...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $165K *
Unlock compliance excellence by leading product safety initiatives across engineering and manufacturing. Ensure adherence to critical standards for data center and IT equipment, driving quality and pe...
2 days ago
Utility Infra Design Engineer / Specialist
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and quality assurance of telecom infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for underground conduit sys...
6 days ago
$110K - $177K *
Lead the charge in software development across a cross-functional team while ensuring quality and technical excellence. Balance hands-on coding with team leadership to deliver high-value applications...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Cost Engineer - Design to Value
$96K - $192K *
Join a dynamic team to drive cost reduction initiatives and enhance material productivity across global business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence design and manufacturing changes, ens...
6 days ago
Project Manager, FEHRM Healthcare Technology Management - Deployment
$95K - $125K *
Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...
2 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming cloud infrastructure for institutional investors. You'll deploy and manage AI solutions across various cloud environments, ensuring security and compliance while collab...
2 weeks ago
Power Systems Protection Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Lead the design and implementation of protection schemes for electrical systems. Collaborate across disciplines, mentor teams, and influence technical direction in a high-impact role that fosters prof...
3 weeks ago
Senior Analyst, Corporate Strategy & Development
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential by driving strategic initiatives and M&A activities through in-depth research, analysis, and collaboration with senior leadership to inform corporate decisions and shape the comp...
3 weeks ago
Director, Features System Engineering
$220K - $290K *
Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...
1 week ago
Principal Applied AI Scientist
$150K - $220K *
Transform diverse big data into actionable insights by designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI-driven applications. Collaborate with teams to optimize models and create robust ML pipeline...
3 weeks ago
Associate Staff Engineer - INFOR M3 Technical Consultant
$100K - $120K *
Optimize your career as an Infor M3 Technical Consultant, leveraging 3-5 years of expertise in integrations and development. Collaborate with teams to design and support seamless enterprise solutions...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, CNC Technical Solutions
$85K - $117K *
Play a key role in providing advanced technical support for CNC systems, optimizing performance, and collaborating with teams to enhance automation solutions. Engage with customers and partners to res...
Today
Sr. Staff Engineer - Connectors Power BU
$120K - $145K *
Lead product development initiatives in power connectors and cable assemblies. Drive innovation, mentor engineering talent, and ensure high-quality solutions that meet market demands while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's leading the modernization of a legacy system. Drive architectural decisions, enhance engineering practices, and foster a culture of innovation while ensuring reliable delivery and c...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion compliance and security excellence by driving NIST 800-53 and FedRAMP initiatives. Partner with clients to ensure federal authorization, author vital documents, and manage multiple A&A projec...
Reposted 1 week ago
Integrated Program Planner Stf - E4
$111K - $206K *
Lead cross-functional teams to develop and manage integrated program schedules, ensuring effective execution and performance through Earned Value Management and critical path analysis. Drive collabora...
3 days ago
Application Engineer (Switchgear)
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by bridging sales and engineering as a key technical resource. You'll scope, quote, and support customer needs for low and medium-voltage switchgear solutions, ensuring alignment w...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by providing civil engineering design and support for utility substations. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure quality control while managing project scope...
2 days 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.