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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$90K - $110K *

Transform customer engagement by delivering tailored product demonstrations, guiding technical discussions, and architecting solutions that meet unique educational needs across diverse sectors...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $198K *

Shape the future of supply chain management by leading Agile project delivery, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across teams to optimize logistics and enhance performance metrics withi...

Rockville, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the configuration and support of Infor M3 non-finance modules, driving business process analysis and continuous improvement. Collaborate with teams to ensure effective implementation and user tra...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive AI-native software development by architecting systems, guiding AI agents, and ensuring quality. Collaborate closely with users to transform business needs into reliable, efficient solutions whi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $244K *

Lead civil engineering design for nuclear facilities, driving innovative solutions and overseeing technical teams. Collaborate across disciplines to address complex challenges and ensure compliance wi...

Richland, WARemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K *

Shape the future of underground engineering by leading tunnel and trenchless projects. Leverage your extensive experience to manage teams, develop proposals, and enhance client relationships while ens...

Englewood, CORemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Lead project management efforts for complex land development projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality execution. Collaborate with teams to manage scopes, schedules, and budgets while fostering c...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$87K - $131K *

Advance systems management by enhancing ERP and HRIS platforms to support business growth, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring smooth transitions with new releases in a global medical device envi...

Minnesota, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$90K - $110K *

Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...

Puerto Rico, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

$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

$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

3 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

Yesterday

  •   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

Today

  •   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

$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

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.