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 - $130K *

Unlock your potential by leading research on electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and RF exposure. Collaborate with utilities and stakeholders to develop solutions and technical guidance for emerging en...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $150K *

Unlock your potential by leading high-stakes proposals for public agencies in the rail and transit sector. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and craft compelling narratives to elevate project pursuits and...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$87K - $108K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aviation planning. Lead projects, collaborate on innovative solutions, and build client relationships while advancing your expertise in emerging technologies a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$77K - $118K *

Advance the design of innovative mechanical systems by leading project teams in 3D modeling, troubleshooting, and creating detailed engineering drawings. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary experts to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$77K - $118K *

Unlock your potential as a mechanical design leader driving innovative solutions in a dynamic engineering environment, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams on complex mechanical designs and 3D m...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$143K - $238K *

Shape the future of embedded flight software by designing robust solutions for real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain critical systems...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $137K *

Innovate across capital projects and chemical operations, delivering practical mechanical engineering solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective project execution a...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$118K - $180K *

Shape the future of power generation by overseeing electrical systems' performance, reliability, and safety. Collaborate with teams to manage maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvements across dive...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Build a safer, more efficient future by overseeing electrical systems in power plants. Collaborate with teams to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compliance while driving maintenance and t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$160K - $200K *

Contribute to the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and engage with clients to deliver...

Rancho Cordova, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the design and analysis of water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and innovation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance community serv...

Oakland, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Engage in the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers...

Riverside, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Empower communities by leading innovative water infrastructure projects. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you'll design and analyze critical facilities, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$165K - $193K *

Drive the future of rail engineering by managing complex rolling stock projects. Leverage your expertise in vehicle design and modifications to ensure quality and compliance while mentoring teams and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $108K *

Drive successful project execution by managing customer projects from quotation to completion. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, quality standards, and customer satisf...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by driving high-quality growth experiences for users. Collaborate across teams to enhance marketing and activation surfaces, while leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize small...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $152K *

Drive innovative electrical designs within nuclear power projects, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance system reliability and performance. Address complex engineering challenges while ensuring...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $152K *

Elevate your career by solving complex electrical engineering challenges in nuclear power. Engage with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure project delivery, from design through installation, while supp...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$74K - $130K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile team to develop critical enterprise software applications, leveraging modern technologies in a fast-paced environment for mission success...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$78K - $127K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of environmental infrastructure by designing innovative process mechanical systems for water and wastewater treatment projects across diverse industries...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$103K - $181K *

Unlock potential by leading transformative drainage design projects, delivering innovative solutions for road and highway enhancements. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to drive sustainable urban...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of rail vehicles by designing innovative structures and components. Leverage your expertise in 3D CAD and materials to create efficient, compliant designs that en...

Montreal, QCRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $200K *

The Optomechanical Engineer at Scout Space will lead the design and development of hardware systems for on-orbit perception and autonomy capabilities. This role involves creating detailed mechanical d...

Reston, VARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $141K *

Join us to design and develop high-performance mechanical solutions for airborne systems. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative aviation technologies that empower defense operations and enhan...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.