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

$68K - $187K *

Support and enhance client systems by providing technical expertise, leading installations, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical equipment. Collaborate with teams for continuous improvement a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Analyze and optimize engineering services operations, leading a customer-focused team to enhance service delivery, efficiency, and profitability while fostering strong client relationships and continu...

Holland, MIRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Optimize your career by providing critical analytical support for hardware and software installations across various platforms, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing operational efficienc...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Build high-performing software teams that drive critical project success while managing technical architecture and mentorship. Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business needs and en...

Overland Park, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative energy solutions and audits, driving project development, and fostering client relationships in a dynamic team environment focused on growth and excellence...

California, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $180K *

Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive strategic leadership in electrical engineering, overseeing project execution and team development while ensuring quality and compliance across multidisciplinary projects. Foster collaboration an...

Atlanta, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$114K - $151K *

Shape the future of power grid automation by leading go-to-market strategies, translating technical solutions into customer value, and driving growth across utility and commercial segments through cro...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$220K - $270K *

Shape the future of mapping technology by leading the design and deployment of advanced ML models. Drive innovation and cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless integration and high-performan...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation as you design complex electrical systems, lead projects, mentor teams, and ensure high-quality deliverables. Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams, utilizing advanced BI...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$200K - $300K *

Lead high-speed analog circuit design initiatives, focusing on broadband amplifiers, clock generation, and custom components. Collaborate on next-gen optical transceiver development while ensuring sys...

Irvine, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$270K - $365K *

Lead a dynamic engineering organization to transform offensive capabilities into proactive defense. Shape strategy, scale teams, and deliver innovative solutions across multiple pillars, ensuring robu...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Join our innovative Research team to develop scalable models for speech technologies. Collaborate with experts to prototype ideas and optimize systems for efficient data management and ML workflows, a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in program management excellence, ensuring seamless operations and compliance across diverse teams while supporting critical Air Force contract initiatives and rapid-response readiness...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in the AEC industry. As a key member of our VDC group, you'll support design-build projects through advanced BIM technologies, ensuring efficiency and collaborati...

Canton, OHRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Transform project management by leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative land development solutions. Ensure project success through effective scope, schedule, and budget management while...

Kansas City, KSRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$173K - $303K *

Unlock potential by leading the implementation of ServiceNow's Security and Risk solutions. Collaborate with customers and partners to drive business outcomes, provide architectural guidance, and ment...

San Diego, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $211K *

Join our dynamic team as you lead new product launches in hardware manufacturing. Oversee cross-functional collaborations, manage operational risks, and drive high-quality production strategies that s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by developing AI-driven test automation solutions for airline APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing workflows and ensure high-quality software delivery i...

Miami, FLRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $130K *

Deliver high-quality training for I&C technicians, ensuring comprehension and performance tracking. Collaborate with teams to enhance training materials and support continuous improvement in a virtual...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $234K *

Lead the charge in validating advanced sensor systems for autonomous vehicles. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and execute comprehensive validation campaigns, ensuring robust performance and...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$149K - $198K *

Advance data infrastructure by designing and implementing robust systems for data processing, discovery, and lineage, empowering engineering teams to leverage expansive data for machine learning and a...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $160K *

Champion advanced IT infrastructure solutions by providing Tier 3 engineering and support. Leverage your expertise in Microsoft technologies to resolve complex issues, enhance system performance, and...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $210K *

Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer, driving technical risk analysis and supporting mission-critical systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, develop, and maintain secure, scalable...

Virginia, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $160K *

Drive innovation in backend and data engineering, leading a team to build robust Python services and APIs for a next-gen wargaming platform. Balance technical leadership with hands-on coding to delive...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.