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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$110K - $130K *

Transform customer engagements through technical sales expertise, driving solution development and partner collaboration in digital engineering and manufacturing. Enable successful sales cycles with i...

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3 weeks ago

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$92K - $166K *

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

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Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

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

$115K - $135K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$100K - $120K *

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2 weeks ago

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$104K - $130K *

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1 week ago

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$150K - $220K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $185K *

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Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Transform project outcomes by leading the estimating team, ensuring accurate cost assessments, and identifying value engineering opportunities. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver comprehensive p...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Lead customer engagement through technical discovery and deployment, integrating AI solutions while collaborating with Sales, Product, and Engineering teams. Drive implementation efficiency and bridge...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$73K - $123K *

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Illinois, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate secure network solutions by engineering and supporting robust infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity and comp...

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6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

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Kansas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$103K - $181K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$179K - $220K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

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Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$159K - $196K *

Oversee comprehensive partner audit efforts, ensuring compliance with standards, addressing concerns, and collaborating on solutions. Provide guidance, implement corrective actions, and keep leadershi...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$101K - $206K *

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3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $160K *

Partner with us to drive partner growth through strategic technical engagement, business development, and AI innovation. Leverage your expertise to build trusted relationships and deliver scalable sol...

Columbus, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $221K *

Drive strategic partner growth by leading pre-sales excellence and solution innovations. Build trusted relationships, influence partner strategies, and co-create AI-driven solutions that accelerate bu...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$134K - $221K *

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3 weeks ago

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$231K - $304K *

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Colorado Springs, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $195K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $130K *

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1 week ago

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$172K - $193K *

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Boston, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

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.