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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$122K - $227K *

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $158K *

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$221K - $387K *

Lead the charge in adapting global AI product strategies to local markets, ensuring commercial success through tailored solutions, effective sales enablement, and customer engagement. Drive innovation...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering precise mechanical cost estimates, evaluating project risks, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ensure successful project execution while mentori...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$149K - $205K *

Elevate innovation at the forefront of foodtech, agritech, and infrastructure. Lead strategic initiatives, build ecosystems, and drive new ventures to shape the future landscape of Mitsubishi Electric...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $154K *

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2 weeks ago

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$92K - $166K *

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Macon, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

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Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

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Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and construction of mechanical systems for hyperscale data centers, ensuring reliability and efficiency while collaborating with global teams on high-profile...

Arlington, VARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$144K - $195K *

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1 week ago

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$155K - $241K *

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United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform maintenance and reliability performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Lead a high-performing team to enhance equipment availability, reduce downtime, and foster a culture of contin...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$181K - $263K *

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$129K - $212K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

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4 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

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San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$202K - $334K *

Lead the charge in developing a high-performing team of Partner Technology Architects, driving partner growth through technical excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption while ensuring impactful...

Chicago, ILRemote

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  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $193K *

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4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$225K - $285K *

Elevate your career by defining the technical strategy for a core platform, leading high-scale distributed systems, and mentoring engineers while driving innovation across multiple teams in a dynamic...

Washington, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $135K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$144K - $189K *

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6 days ago

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$140K - $252K *

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Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the development of advanced simulation capabilities to validate technology and services, ensuring alignment with internal teams and managing customer requests while integrating external tools for...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$171K - $300K *

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Chicago, ILRemote

2 days ago

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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.