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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$130K - $155K *

Advance cost competitiveness through strategic evaluation and technical leadership. This role shapes design recommendations, aligns stakeholder goals, and influences decisions for optimal business out...

Raymond, OHRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$225K - $265K *

Drive the development of seamless integrations for security platforms, leading a team to deliver high-quality, reliable products that enhance customer security stacks and ensure compatibility with evo...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $190K *

Accelerate your career by validating and testing complex satellite communications systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust performance and mission su...

Carlsbad, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$140K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and automate CI/CD infrastructure for medical device software, ensuring compliance and enhancing software delivery processes in a regulated environment...

Waltham, MARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$152K - $175K *

Shape and enhance the global Quality Management System for medical devices by driving compliance, governance, and continuous improvement while leading a dedicated team across multiple sites to meet re...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Lead the technical direction for gas compression projects, establishing standards and overseeing design integrity. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and optimize performance across major gas...

Houston, TXRemote

2 days ago

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

$157K - $283K *

Take ownership of the design and management of high-profile ADA upgrade projects, ensuring effective execution, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while leading cross-functional teams in a dyna...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $110K *

Advance your career by providing essential maintenance and support for cyclotrons and analytical equipment, ensuring optimal performance in a dynamic oncology environment. Collaborate on quality contr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Optimize technical documentation processes for complex thermal management solutions. Join us in bridging engineering concepts with practical applications, enhancing customer understanding while suppor...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$126K - $168K *

Transform the Connected Aircraft portfolio by leading product strategy and execution for Flight Management Systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive business growth, align customer needs, and d...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $140K *

Advance your career by leading commissioning activities for critical facilities. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure project success through effective communication, strong problem-solving sk...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $97K *

Advance your career by managing component life cycles and obsolescence issues. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product integrity and compliance while preparing critical reports and a...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Develop strategic sourcing initiatives for IT software and services, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness. Drive negotiations and manage supplier relat...

Falls Church, VARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Partner with us to enhance project operations and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and ensure timely delivery of integrated customer soluti...

Houston, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform project execution by leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery. Engage with clients and contractors to drive successful outcomes in construction projects...

Chicago, ILRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $200K *

Elevate client success by leading high-stakes projects and cultivating strong relationships while driving innovative solutions and business growth in a dynamic consulting environment...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $125K *

Pioneer the development of robust software solutions in eDiary and clinical data platforms, leveraging modern technologies to enhance patient engagement and ensure regulatory compliance while collabor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$123K - $166K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud platform reliability and security. As a Platform Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in Kubernetes and CI/CD to build and maintain robust infrastru...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Deliver innovative mineral processing solutions to enhance plant operations, optimize costs, and improve product quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success and ensure co...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$161K - $218K *

Join a team that's redefining cybersecurity by leading the architecture and integration of Zero Trust solutions for crucial defense initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver st...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading engineering and project management for diverse land development projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions from conception to com...

Nebraska, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$117K - $146K *

Join us to drive growth in the Aerospace and Defense sector by developing sales strategies, providing technical expertise, and building strong customer relationships that enhance profitability and mar...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $156K *

Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative modeling approaches for power utilization across large-scale infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and optimize re...

Menlo Park, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.