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

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...

California, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$180K - $200K *

Shape the future of technology as a senior technical leader, driving complex initiatives and mentoring engineers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure cloud-native solut...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of product development by optimizing cost-efficiency in part/system designs. Collaborate across teams to ensure competitive pricing and drive value through informed decision-making an...

Raymond, OHRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Transform large-scale project design by leading ILA/A&E engineering initiatives. Own technical solutions from site evaluation to construction support, fostering ADB's growth through effective collabor...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in hydrogeology by providing technical expertise, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships. Drive complex projects in mine water management and groundwater analysis across N...

Denver, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$91K - $152K *

Empower the future of nuclear energy by leading BWR Refuel Floor maintenance activities. Drive project planning, manage diverse teams, and ensure regulatory compliance, all while fostering strong rela...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic portfolio of Cybersecurity Services, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to manage budgets, risks, and project lifec...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate strategic analytics by leading a high-performing team to deliver impactful insights, drive business growth, and foster cross-functional collaboration through advanced data modeling and executi...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee process validation and support for small molecule API manufacturing, ensuring compliance and quality in collaboration with CMOs while driving continuous improvement and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a leadership role overseeing satellite operations, ensuring mission success through effective scheduling, training, and ground system management. Lead a dedicated team in a dyna...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $225K *

Champion NEPA/PD&E projects by leading teams, managing budgets, and driving client relationships. Leverage extensive experience in highway/bridge sectors to deliver innovative solutions and ensure pro...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$68K - $110K *

Unlock insights into global product costs by collaborating with teams to enhance data transparency, support decision-making, and drive improvements in cost reporting and AI adoption for strategic init...

Indianapolis, INRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$300K - $500K *

Lead and optimize a diverse portfolio of debt mandates, driving execution from initial offer to close. Collaborate across teams to enhance transaction velocity and deliver innovative capital solutions...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Lead a dynamic team of Solutions Engineers driving technical success and customer engagement. Collaborate with sales and engineering, ensuring high performance and strategic impact throughout the cust...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$111K - $145K *

Join our growing team to drive revenue operations, enhance workflows, and ensure accuracy in reporting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into efficient processes tha...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion impactful project delivery by managing high-value EPC initiatives. Oversee project execution from initiation through closeout, ensuring they meet budget, safety, and schedule requirements whi...

Durham, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovation and excellence, driving projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and ensure quality standa...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $130K *

Champion innovative electrical engineering solutions while leading project teams in the design and optimization of power systems. Collaborate with clients across diverse sectors, ensuring technical ex...

Rm Of Sherwood, SKRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to design and deliver innovative software solutions, tackling complex customer challenges across the full engineering lifecycle. Collaborate closely with clients to translate needs...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$145K - $185K *

Champion strategic pursuits in the Space ecosystem, driving acquisition and partnerships. Lead full-lifecycle capture efforts to align technical solutions with government needs, influencing pipeline g...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality capital projects in regulated environments. Drive operational excellence and mentor talent while ensuring compliance with saf...

Indiana, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$199K - $270K *

Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing critical technical programs, enhancing research infrastructure while ensuring impactful collaboration across teams. Empower researchers to translate their wor...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Contribute to innovative automated storage solutions by developing competitive proposals and collaborating with sales teams to ensure project feasibility and execution, enhancing customer satisfaction...

Romeoville, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $148K *

Accelerate team performance and delivery by leading software engineers, fostering development, and enhancing organizational effectiveness in a dynamic, remote environment. Drive sustainable practices...

United StatesRemote

1 week 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.