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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$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in optimizing project management processes for a VHA client team. Utilize your expertise to enhance strategic planning, decision-making, and execution while collaborating with senior s...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $250K *

Join us to architect and lead the development of scalable fintech solutions. As a technical leader, you'll drive innovation, mentor teams, and ensure architectural integrity while shaping the future o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $250K *

Transform the architectural vision of a fintech platform by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems. Drive technical excellence and mentor teams to innovate and enhance the financial...

Ontario, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $180K *

Transform user experiences by developing innovative web applications with cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create exceptional battery analytics software for leadin...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to strategic leadership in engineering management, aligning execution with business goals. Drive portfolio success, enhance client satisfaction, and empower teams to optimize performance in...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Deliver innovative solutions by managing complex programs, ensuring seamless execution and coordination across multiple contracts while leveraging extensive IT expertise and leadership skills to drive...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $110K *

Lead the charge in managing multiple deployment projects, ensuring customer satisfaction and timely delivery. Collaborate with teams to define goals, mitigate risks, and leverage Fortra products for o...

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Drive innovation by designing and developing scalable backend services, collaborating closely with engineering teams to enhance platform performance and reliability while mentoring junior developers a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $100K *

Help us drive strategic initiatives within Navy housing programs. You will support the planning and execution of barracks improvements, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance housing conditions, r...

Hawaii, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$166K - $238K *

Lead a dynamic team of engineers in cloud operations, driving reliability and automation. Collaborate across departments to optimize performance and enhance mission-critical services for government cl...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$139K - $208K *

Join a team that's transforming Global Supply Chain and ERP processes. As a Staff Business Process Leader, you'll drive process standardization, support ERP transformations, and engage with stakeholde...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead project management initiatives for high voltage and EHV projects, ensuring quality deliverables and strategic execution. Foster teamwork, enhance client relationships, and drive project success t...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$190K - $250K *

Lead project management initiatives for high voltage power delivery projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and client satisfaction. Collaborate with teams to drive project success from inception to c...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $170K *

Transform complex Federal consulting engagements by leading diverse teams, establishing strategies, and ensuring practical outcomes that enhance government capabilities and client trust...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$250K - $349K *

Unlock potential by leading technical direction for Core DevOps, improving CI/CD systems while driving productivity, quality, and AI innovations in a fast-paced environment impacting millions of users...

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4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading complex design change projects from inception to execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage substantial budgets, and drive innovation in a fast-paced e...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $150K *

Seeking a skilled Project Manager to lead engineering design projects, ensuring effective staffing, technical accuracy, and client engagement while managing budgets and promoting business development...

Columbia, MDRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Deliver exceptional procurement leadership and optimize supply chain performance through direct management of procurement professionals and strategic relationships, ensuring compliance and supporting...

Austin, TXRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform legal research by enabling AI adoption in law firms. Collaborate with leaders to design effective workflows, enhance vendor partnerships, and build internal AI capabilities, ensuring clients...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$92K - $166K *

Transform supply chain efficiency by managing purchase orders, resolving delays, and driving supplier accountability. Collaborate with teams to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery, contributing...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Drive operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and enhancing safety, quality, and customer satisfaction across multiple business units to achieve mea...

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4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$122K - $211K *

Join a dynamic team as a DevOps Engineer, enhancing cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with developers and cybersecurity experts to ensure reliable software delivery and operational...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$254K - $297K *

Elevate customer experiences by diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges. Contribute directly to product engineering initiatives while collaborating with strategic customers and internal...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$66K - $106K *

Elevate quality assurance standards by independently managing automated testing, defect lifecycle, and documentation. Collaborate with Agile teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance, while...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $138K *

Optimize quality assurance processes by leading automated testing strategies and mentoring engineers. Drive continuous improvement and ensure zero-defect delivery in a mission-critical program while e...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.