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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$175K - $185K *

Engage with Federal agencies and software providers to design and implement secure cloud solutions. Leverage your expertise in FedRAMP and DoD IL4 to drive technical sales strategies and ensure compli...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$190K - $240K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$96K - $128K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $160K *

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4 weeks ago

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$141K - $224K *

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$200K - $240K *

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$139K - $208K *

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Reposted 6 days ago

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$95K - $115K *

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Raymond, OHRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

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Nashville, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

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1 month ago

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$140K - $160K *

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Today

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$110K - $130K *

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3 days ago

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$208K - $327K *

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1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

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Orlando, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

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West Palm Beach, FLRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$175K - $200K *

Deliver strategic leadership in remote sensing operations, ensuring optimal project delivery and resource management while overseeing a multidisciplinary team to enhance operational performance and te...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $150K *

Innovate and lead the Remote Sensing Department, driving operational excellence and technical delivery across complex projects while mentoring a team of experts to ensure cutting-edge quality in geosp...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$185K - $230K *

Advance your career by ensuring seamless performance of AI systems in diverse environments. Collaborate with customers and teams, automating and maintaining infrastructure for reliability across uncla...

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4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$183K - $203K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $283K *

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Westlake Village, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $135K *

Drive project success by managing all phases from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Lead cross-functional teams, maintain client communication, and uphold qualit...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$87K - $108K *

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $173K *

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.