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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team managing diverse bridge projects, where you'll lead planning, design, and construction efforts while mentoring junior staff and fostering client relationships. Joi...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Empower growth by leading diverse bridge projects, enhancing client relations, and mentoring a talented team. Drive project planning, design, and management, while fostering innovation in our Design S...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead diverse bridge projects while mentoring teams and fostering client relationships. Oversee project planning, design, and construction, driving growth in our Design Services Division with innovativ...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Safety Engineer, Halos - Autonomous Vehicles
$224K - $356K *
Elevate safety standards in AI-driven autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and implement safety requirements across software and hardware, driving innovatio...
1 week ago
$100K - $130K *
Drive your career forward by leading federal proposal efforts from start to finish. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create compelling, compliant proposals for defense and civilian sectors...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Technical Product Manager-Service Intelligence
$160K - $192K *
Strategize and lead the development of an AI-driven backend intelligence platform to enhance decision-making across complex operational systems, ensuring reliable and scalable outcomes in a dynamic an...
4 weeks ago
Sustainability Manager - Climate Lead
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead product decarbonization efforts, focusing on Scope 3 emissions and sustainability initiatives. Collaborate across functions to implement GHG inventory management and suppor...
1 week ago
Physical Design Engineer - Synth, Senior
$200K - $300K *
Unlock potential by leading synthesis and timing closure for complex AI accelerator designs. Collaborate across teams to optimize implementations, ensuring high-quality netlists while driving innovati...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining product management by building innovative features from concept to launch. Leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency and drive product operations, ensuring seamless deliver...
Yesterday
$215K - $269K *
Transform your career by architecting scalable systems in a dynamic engineering environment. As a technical leader, you will guide innovative solutions across multiple teams, ensuring high-performance...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Mobile
$239K - $298K *
Champion a high-performing mobile engineering team to innovate financial tools, fostering collaboration and mentorship while driving product development across iOS and Android platforms for a dynamic...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Product Security
$200K - $255K *
Shape the future of cloud security by designing and implementing robust controls. Guide integrations in DevOps, perform comprehensive assessments, and mentor teams to reduce risks in AWS and mobile in...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Software Test Development Engineer
$100K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of server hardware validation. As a Lead Software Test Development Engineer, you'll design and develop test systems, ensuring quality and reliability in large-sca...
Yesterday
Senior Technical Lead / Solution Architect
$130K - $216K *
Lead the technical implementation of a large-scale platform modernization program, ensuring adherence to architectural standards and providing hands-on guidance across multiple teams and vendors for s...
2 days ago
Vice President, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
$247K - $385K *
Join a team that's redefining operational excellence by leading quality assurance, compliance, and governance initiatives across segments, ensuring standards are met while fostering collaboration and...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced PLL circuits for high-speed interconnects, contributing to next-gen AI technologies. Collaborate on innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, ensuring perfo...
4 days ago
$200K - $300K *
Elevate your career by designing cutting-edge PLLs for next-gen AI technologies. Collaborate with a dynamic team to innovate high-speed interconnect solutions, ensuring optimal performance in advanced...
4 days ago
Vice President, Engineering, EPM
$212K - $265K *
Drive transformative software engineering across EPM products, lead modernization, build innovative SaaS capabilities, and enhance operational excellence in a high-impact role overseeing global teams...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by driving customer success and technical solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance client relationships, identify growth opportunities, and ensure maximum va...
Yesterday
Vice President Field Operations
$172K - $223K *
Champion operational excellence as a strategic leader, driving performance and financial results across the PacWest Region while ensuring safety, quality, and compliance in a mission-driven environmen...
4 days ago
Junior Forward Deployed Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by designing and building resilient data pipelines that bridge legacy systems with modern cloud platforms, driving advanced analytics and AI initiatives in a dynamic, multi-cloud e...
Yesterday
Senior Structural Engineer (Substation Focus) - Remote (US)
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of energy infrastructure by leading structural design projects for substations and electric systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate solutions while supporting te...
4 weeks ago
Associate Director-Energy Sector
$135K - $160K *
Drive impactful consulting engagements for energy providers, leading teams to deliver strategic insights and solutions in business transformation, technology integration, and decarbonization strategie...
Yesterday
$135K - $251K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by enhancing DevSecOps capabilities. Collaborate with customers to automate processes and deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic enviro...
1 week ago
SME Information Technology Project Manager
$170K - $190K *
Oversee the technical planning and implementation of control systems, ensuring effective deployment and support for FRCS Petaluma. Lead project management efforts, maintain documentation, and provide...
2 weeks ago
What does a propulsion engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.