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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$115K - $140K *

Engage as a technical expert driving conformity assessments for product safety, quality, and performance in complex projects, ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration across teams and labs...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Shape and support enterprise networking solutions by delivering pre-sales technical leadership and post-sales support. Leverage deep expertise in Wi-Fi, LAN, cloud, and Zero Trust security to ensure o...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock growth by developing customer relationships and driving sales in metal fabrication. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver value-added solutions, enhance market presence, and suppor...

South Carolina, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $100K *

Manage and execute complex LIMS implementations for public health and environmental labs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, stakeholder alignment, and high-quality out...

Tucson, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $158K *

Unlock potential by leading in a dynamic rotational program designed for former military officers. Engage in impactful roles, develop business acumen, and drive innovation while collaborating across t...

Schenectady, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in engineering management, facilitating industry standards and guidance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical reports and oversee project execution while drivin...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Innovate your career by developing cutting-edge virtual embedded control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and validate virtual electronic control units, enhancing automotive...

Milford, MIRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $195K *

Elevate proposal management by leading cross-functional teams in high-stakes, strategic pursuits. Drive customer-focused strategies, ensuring compliance and quality while navigating complex challenges...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$74K - $99K *

Accelerate progress at our Service Excellence Team by supporting Incident, Problem, and Change Management processes. This role offers hands-on experience and growth opportunities in IT Service Managem...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$76K - $110K *

Transform strategies into compelling proposals by leading content development, managing schedules, and collaborating with technical teams to ensure alignment with client needs and compliance, while en...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$117K - $143K *

Empower small businesses by developing AI solutions that streamline workflows. Collaborate closely with customers to identify challenges and create impactful software that enhances efficiency and driv...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage your expertise to lead bridge and structural projects from planning to completion. Manage multidisciplinary teams, maintain client relationships, and drive practice growth across Massachusetts...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$146K - $244K *

Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Design Engineer in nuclear facilities. Lead complex projects, enhance engineering processes, and drive technical excellence while collaborating with multidisc...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$180K - $220K *

Transform complex defense requirements into actionable product strategies, driving technical execution and market adoption for cutting-edge Electronic Warfare and Sensing Solutions. Collaborate with c...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Create real-time user interface applications for automated aircraft systems, collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers. Lead the design and implementation to enhance pilot experiences, ensuring s...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing complex substation engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance throughout the project lifecycle while fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary...

Maine, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $130K *

Drive the design and analysis of transportation structures, ensuring compliance with AASHTO standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on projects across Colorado and Arizona...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$152K - $259K *

Join a team that's redefining infrastructure management by leading a dedicated group focused on high availability, security, and automation. Drive innovation while mentoring talent and enhancing opera...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$228K - $423K *

Lead the charge in advancing national cybersecurity initiatives, overseeing program execution and stakeholder engagement. Drive strategic objectives into actionable plans while ensuring technical perf...

Colorado Springs, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $125K *

Partner with us to integrate new firms into our IT environment, managing Microsoft 365 migrations and Active Directory consolidations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $190K *

Drive project management excellence in high voltage power delivery, overseeing engineering teams and ensuring quality deliverables. Lead complex projects from initiation to closeout, fostering client...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving product innovation in radiation therapy through customer insights and clinical expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance solutions and workflows, ensuri...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $295K *

Lead innovative data analysis initiatives to develop contextual insights from autonomous vehicle data, driving meaningful improvements in safety and performance across mobility services...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$210K - $225K *

Transform engineering culture by empowering teams to excel, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. Leverage your technical acumen to lead strategic initiatives and elevate team performance w...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.