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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$82K - $120K *

Lead the implementation of a world-class Reliability Engineering program, enhancing equipment reliability and production efficiency through innovative processes and cross-functional collaboration, whi...

Omaha, NERemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$140K - $165K *

Transform complex military software solutions by driving product strategy, aligning teams, and engaging stakeholders. Leverage your expertise to enhance operational intelligence and deliver impactful...

Ontario, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $225K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative project management, collaborating with scientists and engineers to drive complex client engagements. Your expertise will ensure successful delivery an...

Redwood City, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of high-voltage transmission projects. Provide technical leadership and guidance while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure project excellence a...

Houston, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative virtual calibration environments that enhance simulation-based workflows. Collaborate cross-functionally to improve calibration processes and support the inte...

Milford, MIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $192K *

Lead innovative substation engineering projects, providing technical direction and mentorship to teams while ensuring high-quality deliverables for clients across the U.S. Collaborate on complex desig...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing quoting tools and cost models within the automotive manufacturing industry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate, data-driven quotes th...

Troy, MIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $100K *

Advance your career by leading cross-functional projects and ensuring successful delivery while coordinating with stakeholders and managing customer relationships in a fast-paced environment...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Help us lead complex New Product Introduction projects, driving cross-functional teams to achieve project goals in scope, schedule, and quality while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and...

Hillsboro, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$200K - $315K *

Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...

Carlsbad, CARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at a large-scale automation project as the executive leader driving end-to-end delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, and quality align with customer expectations and business objecti...

Franklin, TNRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$59K - $106K *

Unlock your potential by supporting diverse EOSH programs for the FAA. Collaborate with a dedicated team, conduct inspections, and provide training while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. E...

Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $140K *

Shape the future of cooling technology by developing cost models for large-scale systems. Collaborate with leadership and engineering to optimize pricing strategies, enhance margins, and drive growth...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$129K - $193K *

Empower your career by leading complex IT initiatives, ensuring disciplined execution and governance across cross-functional projects. Drive operational readiness and enhance delivery rigor while coll...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $211K *

Lead the charge in managing complex Industrial Controls workstreams, ensuring seamless execution of NPI programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative automation solutions on time and within...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by driving the standardization and enhancement of manufacturing systems across North America, ensuring robust processes and collaboration with plant and IT teams to maximize operation...

Raymond, OHRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$83K - $133K *

Lead customer engagement and technical design for critical power projects, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate across teams to resolve issues and manage multiple projects, driving successful...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $250K *

Develop cutting-edge ML workflows and infrastructure, influence company direction, and tackle complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced environment, boosting productivity and innovation across te...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $252K *

Lead the charge in architecting and implementing a cutting-edge AI platform for federal oversight, driving innovation with technical leadership and ensuring security and compliance across complex clou...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape mission-critical communication solutions and drive successful outcomes by developing competitive system designs and ensuring technical feasibility throughout the proposal and implementation phas...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in technical excellence by independently managing complex DDC implementations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in mission-critical data cente...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $152K *

Accelerate your career by leading high voltage substation projects, collaborating with engineers to solve complex electrical issues, and enhancing your skills through peer learning and client interact...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $166K *

Take ownership of air quality projects, leading permitting and compliance efforts for diverse industries. Utilize your expertise in regulatory strategy and modeling to enhance client relationships and...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$230K - $245K *

Champion innovation by leading a dynamic engineering team to automate financial data extraction, enhancing model accuracy and efficiency for clients. Drive impactful solutions that empower analysts to...

Toronto, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of energy infrastructure as a key leader in electrical design projects. Drive innovation in high and medium voltage delivery while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.