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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$145K - $195K *

Empower your career by driving innovative protective relay system designs. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver high-quality engineering solutions tailored to client needs in the electric util...

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

$107K - $204K *

Unlock potential by leading procurement efforts for multiple programs, fostering supplier relationships, and managing complex contracts within a collaborative environment. Drive performance and compli...

Arizona, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $125K *

Transform your career by leading high-voltage substation design projects. Collaborate with industry experts to deliver quality engineering solutions while enjoying a supportive work environment that v...

Houston, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$90K - $110K *

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Philadelphia, PARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $150K *

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Oak Ridge, TNRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Innovate operational technology infrastructure to enhance manufacturing efficiency, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across all facilities while leading cross-functional collaboration and str...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Unlock potential by leading system testing efforts for critical USAF missions. Collaborate on process improvements, develop test documents, and execute various testing types to ensure system operabili...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$121K - $187K *

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Newtown Square, PARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$104K - $166K *

Accelerate automation initiatives by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compl...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of high-speed analog design by leading layout development for complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success w...

San Jose, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in high-speed analog layout design for cutting-edge optical communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior e...

Irvine, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$59K - $117K *

Empower your career by driving EHS initiatives that ensure compliance with local laws and corporate standards across Germany. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety performance and...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$142K - $186K *

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United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Innovate cutting-edge infotainment systems by leading hardware and software testing, supplier management, and strategic planning to enhance user experience and safety in vehicles. Drive improvements a...

Raymond, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Redefine customer support as a Field Service Engineer, ensuring optimal performance of advanced battery energy storage systems through expert troubleshooting and maintenance across diverse industries...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Lead the development of high-value proposals, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and produce compelling content. Oversee the full proposal lifecycle, enhancing competitiveness th...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$157K - $283K *

Pioneer a dynamic program management environment, leading teams and projects with technical expertise. Build strong client relations and ensure critical milestone achievements for large-scale construc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of energy solutions by driving growth and innovation in thermal generation projects. Collaborate with industry leaders to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet...

New Orleans, LARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving high-impact commercial data center projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, timelines, and budgets while fostering collaboration among...

Quanah, TXRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing high-impact commercial data center projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, timelines, and budgets while fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving opera...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$127K - $137K *

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Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform utility-scale solar and BESS projects by leading commissioning efforts, coordinating testing, and ensuring compliance with standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance processes and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading hydrogeology and environmental projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex groundwater challenges, ensuring technical excellence and client sati...

Denver, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical 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.