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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$154K - $258K *

Support our construction team by overseeing site operations, managing resources, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards while driving project success through effective leadership and co...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $154K *

Analyze and enhance compensation strategies, ensuring competitive and compliant practices. Collaborate with HR and management to optimize job descriptions, conduct market analysis, and deliver insight...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$100K - $150K *

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Washington, DCRemote

3 days ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Transform operations by leading critical mechanical systems in AI data centers. Drive technical readiness, oversee audits, and enhance cooling infrastructure to meet rigorous demands while mentoring u...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...

Philadelphia, PARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...

Dover, DERemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $196K *

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United StatesRemote

Today

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

$110K - $130K *

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Indiana, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$155K - $165K *

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Washington, DCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$84K - $129K *

Grow your career with impactful utility consulting projects that involve advanced power system studies, interconnection applications, and guiding clients in renewable energy integration while collabor...

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of platform engineering, driving innovation across cloud, DevOps, and site reliability. This role empowers you to build core services, enhance architecture, and m...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Transform product security by leading strategy, conducting threat modeling, and collaborating across teams to ensure secure design and compliance. Drive innovation in security practices while mentorin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $185K *

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Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$97K - $132K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

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Chicago, ILRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $220K *

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Los Angeles, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$135K - $216K *

Drive successful IT program delivery and customer relationships while managing financial performance and team leadership. Engage with stakeholders to identify growth opportunities and ensure high-qual...

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1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Deliver innovative engineering solutions across a luxury property portfolio, ensuring optimal maintenance, compliance, and operational excellence. Lead teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive ca...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional service as a Field Service Engineer. Leverage your expertise in PET/NUC/CT modalities to troubleshoot, repair, and enhance customer satisfaction...

Houston, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead advanced troubleshooting and repair of medical equipment, ensuring customer satisfaction through service excellence. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive initiatives to enha...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex medical equipment, ensuring exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with teams to drive operational excellence and...

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Drive innovation in high-speed PLL design for next-gen AI technologies, focusing on clocking circuits for optical transceivers and ADC/DAC systems. Collaborate on architecture, simulation, and lab ver...

Ottawa, ONRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $300K *

Shape the future of PLL design by architecting and simulating advanced analog/mixed-signal circuits, ensuring optimal performance and integration in cutting-edge technologies while leading a team thro...

San Jose, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $175K *

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United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$159K - $239K *

Pioneer financial excellence by leading a team in comprehensive financial planning, reporting, and analysis across multiple operating units. Drive strategic initiatives and enhance financial performan...

San Diego, CARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 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.