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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$225K - $285K *

Lead the implementation of global PLM/PDM systems, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance supply chain processes and support a Tier 1 ERP buildout, ensuring scalability and efficiency across inte...

San Francisco, CARemote

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  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$290K - $320K *

Pioneer the future of quality and commissioning, ensuring operational excellence in high-stakes environments. Lead a talented team, define strategic goals, and optimize processes for seamless project...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$115K - $275K *

Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...

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Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$69K - $101K *

Champion the reliability of automated systems by providing expert technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence and seamless...

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Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$144K - $170K *

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Charlottesville, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $160K *

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

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$145K - $165K *

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4 weeks ago

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$80K - $95K *

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6 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

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Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$64K - $102K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

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Marysville, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

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Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $125K *

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$300K - $500K *

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Transform your career by managing custom automation projects from design to delivery. Lead cross-functional teams, ensure customer satisfaction, and drive financial results while navigating complex pr...

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Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $170K *

Champion mission-critical initiatives in Air Force programs, driving strategic and operational excellence while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure timely project execution and resource allocati...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Engage with powersports dealerships to expand financing partnerships, drive sales growth, and enhance dealer relationships. Utilize market insights to develop strategic plans and support dealer onboar...

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3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $128K *

Take ownership of deployment workstreams, ensuring alignment of scope, schedule, and quality. Lead execution, manage risks, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes under the AF...

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  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $195K *

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Mansfield, MARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Drive the implementation and support of automation and orchestration platforms, collaborating with technology teams to enhance processes and develop reusable web applications, ensuring high availabili...

Vienna, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$201K - $352K *

Join a team that's redefining enterprise AI by building scalable, LLM-enabled applications. Collaborate with customers to deliver impactful solutions, codify reusable assets, and shape the future of A...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information 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.