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.
$160K - $200K *
Transform large-scale data center projects by leading innovative structural engineering efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and sustainability in design, while managing...
3 weeks ago
Senior Transmission Line Project Engineer | Remote
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Lead the charge in high-voltage transmission line projects, ensuring technical excellence and project ownership from design to construction while fostering strong client relationships and coordinating...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering
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Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...
1 week ago
Lead Pipe & Mechanical Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist 2 - Construction Management
$134K - $205K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality standards for heavy industrial construction projects. Oversee QA/QC processes, conduct audits, and support contractors to enhance performance and safety throughout...
4 days ago
Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
$135K - $175K *
Drive criticality safety evaluations and develop safety programs for innovative nuclear fuel recycling. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure compliance and enhance safety measures in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining machine learning implementation to drive impactful research and innovate within a collaborative environment. Contribute to projects, open source, and author scientific pa...
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$150K - $350K *
Build advanced inference systems to enhance RL research, optimizing throughput and enabling scalable model updates. Collaborate with researchers to balance efficiency and quality in cutting-edge AI ar...
6 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Grid
$165K - $253K *
Lead the charge in managing a project team focused on high voltage substations, overseeing design, analysis, and implementation to modernize the electric grid while ensuring projects meet client speci...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance the future of energy by conducting power system modeling and analysis for transmission planning, ensuring compliance with NERC standards and supporting renewable resource integration through d...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted 2 days ago
$139K - $174K *
Lead structural design for complex projects, focusing on data centers and industrial facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring junior engine...
6 days ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
1 week ago
Director of Substation Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of utility substation engineering by developing a high-performing team, driving business growth, and delivering integrated solutions for electric utility clients...
1 week ago
$66K - $128K *
Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $175K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative solar and energy storage projects. Drive technical excellence, mentor teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to shape sustainable energy solutions across No...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovative structural design solutions for utility projects, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced environmen...
1 week ago
$120K - $215K *
Drive innovative systems engineering processes to enhance design, integration, and management of complex nuclear systems. Ensure cohesive functionality and project compliance by leading teams and appl...
4 weeks ago
$101K - $188K *
Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...
2 days ago
$102K - $163K *
Lead the charge in designing and overseeing digital instrumentation and control systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations while coordinating workflows and schedules with subcontractors to...
Today
Senior Sales Engineer - Turbomachinery
$110K - $130K *
Engage in strategic leadership for Engineered Solutions, driving customer satisfaction and financial growth. Oversee pipeline development and execution, ensuring compliance with technical specificatio...
3 weeks ago
Technical Leader IV - Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
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Unlock innovative advancements in manufacturing and materials for energy. Lead R&D projects, guiding teams and influencing technical strategies while addressing complex industry challenges with minima...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Subject Matter Expert (Electrical) - Rolling Stock Engineering
$182K - $212K *
Drive innovative solutions in rolling stock engineering, overseeing vehicle projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with experts to ensure quality and compliance in rail vehicle procurement a...
Yesterday
Generator Research, Technical Leader II
$135K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining generator research through innovative solutions, managing technical projects, and engaging with industry leaders to enhance generator reliability and performance, shaping...
3 weeks ago
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Drive the future of structural engineering by leading complex capital projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring technical excellence across diverse markets, particularly in healthcare. Collaborat...
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Drive impactful construction solutions by coordinating design services, ensuring compliance with specifications, and collaborating with experts to enhance project quality and efficiency in a dynamic e...
1 week 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.