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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1
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$105K - $126K *

Lead and optimize subcontract management by negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive successful federal contracting outcomes while mentoring junior sta...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$107K - $204K *

Drive the advancement of data and AI capabilities by designing and delivering scalable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement AI/ML technologies, ensuring system reli...

Connecticut, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Oversee high voltage transmission projects, ensuring efficient delivery from design to completion. Collaborate with stakeholders to maintain standards in safety, costs, and compliance while managing p...

Maine, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$181K - $213K *

Transform product-led growth by crafting data-driven strategies, enhancing customer experiences with AI, and driving account expansion through collaboration and experimentation across teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Optimize proposal strategies and lead medium to large-scale submissions, collaborating with teams to enhance win rates. Drive quality through reviews and data analysis while mentoring junior members a...

Houston, TXRemote

1 week ago

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

$170K - $200K *

Champion the security design and delivery for hyperscale projects, ensuring comprehensive protection through physical and electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish stand...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the reliability of mission-critical data center operations through comprehensive testing and commissioning of electrical and mechanical systems. Bring your tec...

Ohio, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$209K - $273K *

Advance your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategic execution and operational excellence while ensuring a reliable data platform aligns with enterprise goals and custo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $140K *

Shape the future of Microsoft 365 management by defining and delivering security, governance, and multi-tenant capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings and en...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Engineer innovative embedded systems solutions, driving design and optimization from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance in the power i...

Markham, ONRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$115K - $218K *

Lead the charge in planning and estimating major construction programs, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects on time a...

Dearborn, MIRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $210K *

Lead the charge in managing high-voltage transmission EPC projects from inception to completion, ensuring technical excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to safety and quality standards throu...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $190K *

Drive strategic product management within our payroll and HR ecosystem, leading cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that enhance customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and revenue growt...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Serve as a key technical advisor, delivering product demos and custom solutions while supporting sales through technical expertise and architecture assessments to elevate customer engagement and satis...

Los Angeles, CARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative forecasting solutions by developing advanced marine and seasonal prediction models. Collaborate with scientists to enhance global coupled forecasting systems, leveraging AI/ML tech...

College Park, MDRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$168K - $313K *

Lead and enhance manufacturing planning operations, driving excellence through MRP strategies. Collaborate across departments, mentor teams, and provide insights to executives on performance and quali...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Engineer cutting-edge high-speed analog circuits, driving innovation in broadband amplifiers and clock generation. Collaborate on next-gen optical transceivers, ensuring excellence from design to sili...

Vancouver, BCRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $300K *

Engineer cutting-edge high-speed analog circuits, driving innovation in broadband amplifiers and clock generation. Collaborate on next-gen optical transceivers, ensuring excellence from design to sili...

San Jose, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $115K *

Optimize security measures by leading technical solutions to mitigate information risks. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and oversee incident response, safeguarding all computing platforms a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Empower organizations by driving adoption of Power Platform solutions, modernizing systems, and automating processes. You'll develop new and existing relationships, collaborating with teams and partne...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's focused on optimizing biological treatment systems through innovative solutions. Collaborate closely with clients and internal experts, leveraging your technical expertise to enhanc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$193K - $285K *

Redefine the future of security at scale by leading innovative product engineering efforts. Drive collaboration, technical vision, and proactive controls to ensure a secure and resilient delivery ecos...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K - $120K *

Execute comprehensive program management for a critical Air Force contract, leading a diverse team to ensure compliance, quality, and performance across multiple global operations while maintaining 24...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...

Cary, NCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in engineering recruiting by shaping hiring strategies, developing a high-performing team, and enhancing scalable processes to support growth while personally managing senior leadershi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.