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

$160K - $230K *

Partner with us to drive product strategy and innovation in mobility, leading a dynamic team across autonomous tech, software, and data analytics, while ensuring customer-first development and excepti...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $160K *

Lead the future of automation across a vast manufacturing network, providing strategic vision and technical solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity in operations. Act as a key expert driving...

Mentor, OHRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of customer relationships by driving value and retention for large organizations, collaborating closely with sales and product teams to ensure success and growth through data-driven i...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative solutions for university clients by leveraging data and AI. Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive impactful edu...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts for substation projects, ensuring technical direction, quality, and successful delivery. Collaborate with teams to manage complex projects from design throug...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$165K - $205K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team in developing autonomous operations for satellite management. Drive innovation and efficiency across multiple projects while ensuring technical excellence and operation...

Seattle, WARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Oversee vibration analysis programs across 100+ facilities, utilizing AI and proprietary systems to maximize value. Collaborate with teams, conduct site visits, and develop workflows while traveling u...

Atlanta, GARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$94K - $155K *

Lead the charge in optimizing partner relationships and Pre-Buy execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance sales strategies, manage complex programs, and ensure compliance while driving reve...

San Diego, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $185K *

Champion the future of defense solutions by driving new business, building relationships, and leading contract execution. Own a diverse portfolio while adapting to evolving challenges and ensuring cus...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $105K *

Drive operational excellence as an Operations Analyst, balancing compliance and user experience. Leverage AI tools to analyze data, identify fraud patterns, and suggest process improvements while coll...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Transform healthcare project management by leading complex construction initiatives. Collaborate with clients to ensure project success from planning to completion, while managing resources, budgets...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $129K *

Lead the charge in substation design by preparing detailed drawings and overseeing project teams. Engage with clients and contractors to ensure compliance with standards while mentoring designers and...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$126K - $153K *

Lead the charge in transforming healthcare safety cultures by applying High Reliability Organization principles, enhancing patient trust, and driving data-driven process improvements across clinical s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock financial insights and enhance project performance by providing senior-level analysis and operational support in a dynamic engineering consulting environment, collaborating with cross-functiona...

Olathe, KSRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$346K - $500K+*

Shape a secure future for research technologies. Lead in defining security for multi-cloud environments that enable high-compute research, ensuring safety in CI/CD practices and automated systems for...

Berkeley, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in managing high voltage substation projects, ensuring quality, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while fostering strong relationships and driving innovative solutions in a dyn...

Houston, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$132K - $174K *

Empower your career with hands-on technical leadership, driving innovation and excellence in healthcare systems. Lead a talented team, mentoring engineers while architecting scalable, secure solutions...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$139K - $188K *

Drive innovative IT solutions by leading multi-disciplinary teams, establishing operational policies, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives that enhance overall organizat...

Minnesota, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $135K *

Shape innovative transportation projects by leading design efforts and collaborating across engineering disciplines to meet project goals efficiently.

Columbia, MDRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Innovate noise control solutions for large-scale AI data centers. Lead acoustic studies, model sound propagation, and recommend effective mitigations while collaborating across engineering teams to en...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead and transform large-scale retrofit and modernization projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and high customer satisfaction while coordinating cross-functional teams and managing st...

Louisville, KYRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate progress at our company by leading the estimating team for innovative utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. Drive precise budgeting and foster collaboration across teams to enha...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $100K *

Transform complex network systems by leading design, implementation, and support efforts. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance telecommunications infrastructures and ensure compliance with cybers...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in modernizing SaaS solutions by integrating AI and automation to enhance delivery efficiency, scalability, and customer outcomes while supporting complex migration projects and foster...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive excellence by leading public-infrastructure construction projects, managing field teams, and fostering client relationships. Shape a high-performing construction-services team while ensuring qua...

Massachusetts, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.