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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$90K - $110K *

Empower your career by driving project delivery and managing Agile teams. Utilize AI tools to enhance decision-making, anticipate risks, and ensure timely outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to ma...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$189K - $290K *

Join a team that's redefining autonomous sensing systems, providing technical leadership in sensor suite design and integration. Collaborate across functions to tackle engineering challenges and drive...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$156K - $205K *

Empower growth by leveraging your data expertise to enhance GTM strategies. Collaborate globally, ensuring reliable data pipelines and insightful dashboards that drive key performance metrics across t...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Empower global business practices by leading diverse project teams in innovative industries. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success through effective management and integration of cut...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing high-impact data center construction projects, overseeing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure operational success from inception to completion...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $229K *

Champion the design and delivery of high-voltage transmission line projects, providing technical leadership and project management expertise while ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards ac...

Meridian, IDRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Advance the design and implementation of electrical distribution systems for autonomous vehicles, ensuring robust architectures and seamless integration across teams from concept to production...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$72K - $108K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing nuclear power generation through expert technical guidance and hands-on support for turbine generator systems, ensuring safety and efficiency in maintenance a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $244K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of high-voltage transmission line projects. Lead engineering efforts, mentor staff, and ensure project excellence while collaborating across multidisciplinary tea...

Syracuse, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$98K - $164K *

Champion engineering excellence by leading complex gas turbine upgrades and modifications. Manage project execution from order to installation, ensuring technical coordination and timely completion wh...

Greenville, SCRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $125K *

Advance your career by coordinating healthcare technology integration across multiple VA sites. Leverage your project management skills to support the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization pr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Drive successful AMI deployment projects by coordinating smart meter installations, software integration, and vendor partnerships. Ensure utility modernization through effective project management and...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$137K - $183K *

Empower your career by leading capital projects in commissioning. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful startup and adherence to safety standards while traveling extensively to drive pro...

Green Bay, WIRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$137K - $183K *

Lead the commissioning process for capital projects in the pulp and paper industry. Collaborate with diverse teams, oversee testing procedures, and ensure safety compliance while traveling extensively...

Atlanta, GARemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $150K *

Shape the future of healthcare connectivity by leading product strategy and delivery for advanced imaging solutions. Leverage your expertise in DICOM, FHIR, and cloud technologies to drive innovation...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $145K *

Lead the charge in developing precise cost estimates for major infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide technical advice and value engineering throughout all design...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$163K - $255K *

Champion the evolution of autonomous laboratories by leading product strategy, engaging with customers, and translating their needs into innovative solutions that integrate technology, workflows, and...

Illinois, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Empower your career by leading wind turbine repower projects from planning through execution, integrating engineering, construction, and safety management to ensure timely and budget-compliant outcome...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$102K - $136K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead electrical controls projects, optimizing production processes and enhancing safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managi...

Alberta, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $250K *

Accelerate your career in a fast-paced environment by driving innovative software solutions for restaurants, improving customer interactions, and fostering seamless operations through team collaborati...

San Mateo, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$125K - $150K *

Drive innovation in backend development and blockchain infrastructure, shaping the future of global payments. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and scale solutions to millions while...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$111K - $206K *

Lead the charge in developing comprehensive proposals, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing profitability. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver accurate cost analyses and pricing...

Fort Worth, TXRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $145K *

Collaborate with internal teams to design and build automation solutions for compliance. Engineer robust pipelines, enhance AI workflow integrity, and ensure the reliability of evidence management sys...

Bellevue, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$122K - $204K *

Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement global standards that enhance the reliability and performance of manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement and cost reduction initiat...

Schenectady, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $135K *

Unlock excellence in PCB design and manufacturing by leading DFM initiatives, developing complex multilayer layouts, and shaping best practices across engineering teams to enhance product performance...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.