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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$109K - $154K *

Engage with clients as a technical expert, driving innovative water treatment solutions. Oversee proposal lifecycle, collaborate globally, and leverage engineering expertise to design custom ultrapure...

Feasterville Trevose, PARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $154K *

Pioneer innovative Ultra Pure Water treatment solutions as a key technical contact, leading bid strategy and project execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored clien...

Feasterville Trevose, PARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$68K - $131K *

Shape program success by developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules, ensuring compliance with requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance goals and enha...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$173K - $313K *

Shape the future of customer-facing applications and APIs by leading engineering teams to enhance DNS and IP Acceleration services, ensuring performance, reliability, and usability at Internet scale...

Cambridge, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Empower financial decision-making by leading analysis, forecasting, and budgeting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver insights and enhance reporting efficiency using advanced tools and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$200K - $245K *

Pioneer data-driven engineering for our Autonomy Data Flywheel initiative, overseeing the entire lifecycle to enhance AI-driven operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve quality a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$164K - $295K *

Optimize the delivery of advanced server rack solutions by leading cross-functional teams, managing complex hardware programs, and ensuring alignment with hyperscale data center requirements for next...

Austin, TXRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$73K - $132K *

Engineer innovative telecommunications solutions in a dynamic team environment. Provide hands-on technical support for installations, testing, and troubleshooting, ensuring operational readiness and h...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $195K *

Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$154K - $246K *

Join a dynamic team to lead advanced network planning initiatives, guiding strategic projects and shaping product roadmaps. Leverage your expertise to drive innovation in network optimization and ment...

Ottawa, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$185K - $220K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering service delivery for legal and professional clients. Lead a dynamic organization focused on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and continuous improv...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $120K *

Lead product delivery for a major federal IT program, overseeing multiple teams and ensuring timely execution of product line deliverables. Drive strategic planning, manage dependencies, and enhance d...

Rockville, MDRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $155K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor peers, and drive technical excellence while contributing to impactf...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $117K *

Elevate proposal development by collaborating with global teams to create high-quality, tailored proposals for Biologics and Drug Product offerings, ensuring alignment with customer needs and driving...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Innovate within the AI Platform team by designing and operating core components for AI-driven solutions, focusing on model serving, agentic infrastructure, or observability. Collaborate across teams t...

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2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to design rugged hardware for advanced robotics, collaborating with engineers to create production-ready CAD models and optimize mechanical packaging for high-density systems in ch...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to build and automate security controls across our infrastructure. You'll manage host hardening, vulnerability assessments, and compliance, leveraging AI tools to enhance security...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing application performance and reliability. Leverage your expertise in Oracle WebLogic, IIS, and SFTP systems to support production environments and enhance ope...

South Carolina, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$155K - $227K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing marine operations and property management. Lead strategic initiatives across three marine terminals and five industrial parks, ensuring safe, efficient operat...

Portland, ORRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$132K - $251K *

Shape the future of digital transformation by leading complex data initiatives and driving strategic solutions across corporate functions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance applicatio...

Massachusetts, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure across multiple platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance product reliability and streamline operations while ensuring security and c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $179K *

Architect the migration of legacy health data into MHS GENESIS, leading a team to ensure seamless integration and data quality. Collaborate with stakeholders to define architecture and standards, driv...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $108K *

Transform partner marketing strategies by executing joint initiatives with Google, enhancing visibility and demand for digital innovations. Collaborate across teams to drive growth and optimize market...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining B2B product design by optimizing user experiences across diverse workflows, integrating AI-powered features, and creating impactful solutions for multiple user types. You...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive success by leading pre-award activities for solar EPC pursuits, ensuring strategic alignment, risk management, and high-quality proposal delivery from RFP receipt to project award, while collabo...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.