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 - $190K *

Join a dynamic team as a Criticality Analysis & Nuclear Safety Engineer, responsible for ensuring nuclear safety in advanced fuel fabrication. Collaborate across disciplines to develop safety analyses...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by transforming spatial AI research into practical solutions that enhance user experiences for homebuyers and builders, driving innovation in generative floor plan capabilities within...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$87K - $108K *

Join a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative electrical solutions. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with industry standards while driving quality an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to innovative cloud solutions by leveraging your expertise in Azure, C#/.NET, and DevOps practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, scalability, and performance...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform customer IT service requirements into innovative solutions that enhance loyalty and profitability. Lead technical resources in delivering high-quality financial industry solutions while ensu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$280K - $330K *

Empower a dynamic engineering team by leading technical architecture, enhancing system reliability, and driving scalable solutions that support rapid growth in a fast-paced fintech environment. Foster...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Optimize the verification of embedded software within aviation systems. Collaborate closely across teams to enhance safety and compliance, ensuring robust performance on flight hardware and complete i...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical solutions, mentoring teams, and driving production outcomes in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and operational excellence...

Florida, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Unlock your potential as a senior technical leader in utility substation engineering, driving quality standards and innovative solutions for complex projects while mentoring a growing team and collabo...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading materials management for a Nuclear Development project. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and vendors to ensure effective planning and execution, driving project s...

Richland, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $136K *

Unlock the potential of nuclear instrumentation by overseeing manufacturing projects, ensuring compliance with standards, and collaborating with design teams to enhance product quality and supplier pe...

Supply, NCRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$131K - $205K *

Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$103K - $176K *

Innovate solutions by leading mechanical engineering projects to enhance production processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and optimize equipment and systems, ensuring safety a...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$146K - $234K *

Lead innovative research in autonomous systems, shaping solutions for AI challenges. Collaborate with diverse teams, define research programs, and engage with customers to deliver cutting-edge technol...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$131K - $196K *

Unlock potential by developing AI-driven applications and data pipelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency through innovative technical solutions, ensuring quality and scalabil...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$95K - $143K *

Lead logistics and inventory management ensuring timely delivery of materials. Collaborate with teams for optimal material readiness and quality standards while enhancing supply chain processes and ex...

Missouri, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $143K *

Optimize logistics and inventory management processes to ensure timely delivery of materials and components for successful project execution, fostering collaboration across teams and maintaining high...

Missouri, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading hydro turbine design and engineering projects, optimizing asset performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enh...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$84K - $129K *

Elevate your career by applying your expertise in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to design and optimize nuclear power plant systems. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while driv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $135K *

Take ownership of engineering projects from kick-off to handover, leading design efforts for automated storage solutions while collaborating with clients and internal teams to ensure timely and budget...

Romeoville, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$84K - $129K *

Champion innovative solutions in instrumentation and control systems for power plants. Collaborate with engineers to design, troubleshoot, and enhance digital systems, ensuring project success and cli...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$122K - $176K *

Lead the charge in evolving a cutting-edge financial assistant, enhancing user experience through innovative features and AI integration while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a dynamic st...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$149K - $198K *

Champion the development of reliable software releases for autonomous vehicles by building and automating pipelines, ensuring quality and speed through effective collaboration and innovative engineeri...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $140K *

Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $241K *

Champion project success by managing complex construction portfolios through all phases, from planning and execution to closeout, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and facilitating stak...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

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.