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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$125K - $133K *

Champion the development of Generative AI solutions, leading an agile team to enhance products and tooling. Drive AI adoption, mentor engineers, and ensure best practices while collaborating across de...

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$110K - $115K *

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2 weeks ago

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$182K *

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2 weeks ago

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$112K - $179K *

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $230K *

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1 week ago

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$104K - $166K *

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4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $170K *

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$96K - $154K *

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Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$91K - $114K *

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California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

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$77K - $100K *

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2 weeks ago

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$125K - $175K *

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$75K - $100K *

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$125K - $150K *

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  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $218K *

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6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$279K - $419K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $120K *

Lead the charge in administering and supporting Microsoft cloud and on-premises environments, ensuring seamless operations and project coordination for Microsoft 365 implementations while enhancing us...

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $211K *

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$141K - $268K *

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Dearborn, MIRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Explore a vital role in leading remediation projects, leveraging engineering design expertise to deliver impactful solutions across diverse sites while managing multiple tasks in a dynamic consulting...

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Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$155K - $180K *

Drive the evolution of cloud-native infrastructure, leading initiatives in AWS, Kubernetes, and Terraform. Enhance automation, optimize costs, and enforce security while mentoring teams to elevate Dev...

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Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

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Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $211K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in product sourcing and supply chain management. Leverage your expertise to enhance our Counter Intrusion product portfolio, collaborating cross-functionally to o...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.