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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$150K - $180K *

Empower engineering teams to innovate and deliver high-quality SaaS products. Lead technical direction, enhance system architecture, and foster collaboration across teams to drive user-centric solutio...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$160K - $200K *

Drive technical excellence by designing systems, setting standards, and mentoring engineers without formal management. Collaborate with Product to ensure alignment and tackle engineering challenges ac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$86K - $138K *

Drive automation excellence by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible and scripting languages. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance wi...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock project potential as a Program Manager, leading cross-functional teams to enhance released products, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure alignment with organizational goals in a dynamic, re...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$192K - $266K *

Drive best-in-class travel support through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Oversee lodging, flights, and customer advocacy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exception...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $90K *

Advance your career by managing project documentation, coordinating schedules, and ensuring quality control on large-scale construction projects across the U.S. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliv...

Rockford, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $160K *

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Lead and manage construction materials testing projects, ensuring quality assurance, client satisfaction, and compliance with standards while overseeing operations and fostering team development for s...

Texas, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive business development initiatives within Navy system commands, collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Lead capture and proposal teams to achieve strategic objectives while navigating a fast-pac...

Norfolk, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$109K - $164K *

Drive advanced digital forensics and incident response initiatives while mentoring a skilled engineering team. Leverage deep technical knowledge to enhance operational capabilities and ensure exceptio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

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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...

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$156K - $205K *

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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...

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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

3 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...

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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

2 weeks 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

3 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...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in solving critical engineering challenges, driving technical direction, and fostering team growth. Collaborate across departments to enhance systems, ensuring reliability and innovati...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $180K *

Elevate your career by leading strategic customer engagements in the Naval Aviation sector. Drive business growth and operational excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet cus...

Torrance, CARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

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.