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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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...
4 weeks ago
Platform Engineer - FedD180/FedD181
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Process Engineer - Minerals Processing Operation
$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...
4 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Civil Project Engineer - Site Design/Municipal
$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...
2 weeks ago
Field Application Engineer - Aerospace and Defense
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
1 week ago
Research Scientist, Infrastructure Modeling and Reliability
$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...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $155K *
Lead the strategic direction and operations for a collaborative utility forum, driving key initiatives in electric distribution while engaging with senior utility leaders to enhance industry practices...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineer 4 - AI Native
$88K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-native software development. Drive engineering excellence by orchestrating autonomous agents and maintaining high-quality standards in a FedRAMP-authorized e...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Monetization Engineering
$223K - $317K *
Drive the evolution of a robust Fulfillment platform, shaping architecture and strategy while mentoring teams. Lead modernization efforts to enhance scalability, reliability, and performance, ensuring...
3 days ago
$170K - $180K *
Transform quality management across renewable energy projects by leading initiatives that enhance processes, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional team...
Today
Principal Physical Design Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of ASIC physical design, leading complex SoC implementations, optimizing performance, and ensuring design integrity through collaboration and innovative methodolog...
2 days ago
$169K - $220K *
Accelerate your career by leading a dynamic mobile engineering team focused on delivering innovative iOS and Android experiences, fostering quality and collaboration while driving product growth acros...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Elevate utility value through strategic consulting, translating operational needs into quantifiable business outcomes. Collaborate with teams to develop tailored solutions, build financial models, and...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Play a key role in designing and optimizing enterprise-scale cloud environments and CI/CD pipelines, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance operations, automate processes, and support mission-cri...
1 month ago
$125K - $150K *
Empower a dynamic team of engineers to innovate e-commerce solutions, driving growth through collaboration with product managers and stakeholders while leveraging AI to enhance development processes a...
4 days ago
Sr. Equip Eng, Structural Processing
$86K - $165K *
Elevate your career by supporting advanced manufacturing equipment development and integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable automation solutions in a dynamic, remote en...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager - Power Solutions
$165K - $185K *
Grow your career with us by leading complex electrical power solutions projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions for mission-critical facilities, ensuring projects meet...
2 weeks ago
Senior Structural Engineering Project Manager - Capital Projects
$110K - $130K *
Innovate solutions to enhance structural integrity for senior housing projects. Lead assessments and remediation strategies while collaborating with internal teams and external experts to address comp...
4 weeks ago
Regional Sales Manager, Nuclear Power Generation
$130K - $180K *
Support business growth in the North American nuclear power market by building relationships, identifying opportunities, and leveraging technical expertise to deliver reliable power solutions to custo...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive risk management for commercial deals in Hydropower, ensuring compliance with standards and policies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate risks, enhancing project exe...
3 days ago
Principal-Water/Wastewater Engineer
$170K - $200K *
Lead the charge in establishing a new Water/Wastewater practice across California, driving strategic growth, client relationships, and project oversight while mentoring a multidisciplinary team to del...
Today
Principal-Water/Wastewater Engineer
$170K - $200K *
Transform the future of water/wastewater engineering by leading practice growth, client development, and strategic initiatives across California. Leverage your expertise to establish a trusted enginee...
Yesterday
What does a propulsion engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.