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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$159K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions for complex payment systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize code, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high-quality prod...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Transform the software development landscape by defining a cohesive end-to-end experience, integrating planning to verification workflows across teams. Lead product strategy and execution, influencing...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of engineering by delivering innovative solutions and managing complex projects. Collaborate with teams to enhance technical expertise while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring co...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Join us to architect and automate cloud-native infrastructures while engaging directly with clients. Leverage your expertise in AI and DevOps to drive strategic solutions that align technology with bu...

Florida, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $130K *

Drive program delivery across multiple products, ensuring timely outcomes by managing risks, dependencies, and stakeholder priorities. Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain accurate project data...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$148K - $281K *

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Irvine, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$155K - $170K *

Join a team that's driving financial excellence and strategic growth. This leadership role oversees financial planning, analysis, and reporting for complex government contracts, partnering with execut...

Lorton, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Drive technical solutions and client satisfaction as you partner with internal teams, enhancing client engagement through innovative use of our solutions, troubleshooting complex integrations, and fos...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in transforming enterprise technology through Oracle Fusion Cloud, guiding technical strategy, integration, and migration efforts. Collaborate across teams to deliver scalable, secure...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$200K - $228K *

Advance your career by leading complex construction projects in the Education and Facilities Sector. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful project delivery while managing budgets, schedu...

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4 days ago

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

$108K - $135K *

Champion customer connectivity by delivering technical training and support, coordinating initiatives to enhance customer experience, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless s...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by engaging in advanced railway signaling system design, integration, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by conducting high-resolution modeling for atmospheric rivers, enhancing predictive capabilities within the Unified Forecast System, and collaborating on innovative parameterization m...

College Park, MDRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $187K *

Lead the charge in strategic and operational excellence for substation engineering, overseeing project execution, team development, and client relationships to drive growth and ensure high-quality del...

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Innovate within a dynamic engineering team, driving robust backend solutions for user-centric products while enhancing platform reliability and efficiency across various projects in a collaborative en...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $190K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead innovative software solutions as a Technical Lead in a dynamic environment. Drive strategic technical vision, mentor developers, and deliver complex applications while addressing critical busines...

Birmingham, ALRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in maximizing strategic customer engagements by translating complex business challenges into actionable projects. Collaborate closely with executives to ensure successful delivery and...

New York, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $145K *

Transform customer relationships and drive sales growth across multiple states. Leverage technical expertise to provide solutions, mentor teams, and develop strategic plans that enhance market share a...

Phoenix, AZRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative substation projects, ensuring design excellence and timely delivery. Collaborate with teams to develop specifications, manage project scopes, and mentor junior engineers while main...

Lewisville, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Optimize project delivery by leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of SaaS engagements. Foster strong client relationships while managing scope, timelines, and budgets to meet...

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4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to overseeing personnel and operational execution across critical Navy training programs. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, and ensure successful program del...

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3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$75K - $90K *

Join a dynamic team as a Reliability Engineer, enhancing heavy equipment performance through analysis and maintenance improvements. Collaborate with field crews to boost uptime and implement reliabili...

Alberta, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $140K *

Accelerate your career by managing our enterprise drone program. Lead operational governance, compliance, and fleet management, while fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving innovation in...

Jericho, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.