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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$95K - $130K *

Join us in leading on-site installation activities for complex projects. As a key liaison, you'll ensure safety, quality, and schedule adherence while coordinating with diverse stakeholders to drive s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $194K *

Optimize your career by driving strategic supply network development and cost management for innovative products. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product lifecycles and supplier engagement...

Boston, MARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$126K - $167K *

Create innovative supply networks and optimize costs for cutting-edge products. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product development and ensure efficient manufacturing processes throughout th...

Fort Stockton, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $194K *

Join a dynamic team to drive strategic supply network development and cost management for innovative products. Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to optimize product lifecycles and...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $100K *

Discover new opportunities as you develop and manage a sales territory, fostering customer relationships and executing growth strategies to achieve sales objectives in the industrial power solutions m...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $100K *

Grow your career by developing and executing strategic sales plans to enhance market share and customer relationships in a dynamic territory. Drive success through proactive engagement and innovative...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $100K *

Transform sales strategies by developing and managing a dynamic territory, fostering customer relationships, and driving growth through innovative solutions and market analysis to achieve sales object...

Sussex, WIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $100K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing a strategic sales plan to enhance customer relationships and drive growth in the Energy Systems sector, while managing territory performance and market oppo...

Sussex, WIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $100K *

Lead the charge in developing and executing a strategic sales plan to enhance customer relationships and drive growth in the Energy Systems sector, while managing a dynamic sales territory and capturi...

Sussex, WIRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in delivering outstanding technical support and case management for complex escalated issues, ensuring customer success and trust while collaborating with teams to provide timely, high...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Grow your career with a leading team overseeing industrial mechanical projects across diverse states. Manage budgets, schedules, and client relationships while ensuring quality and safety on advanced...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$113K - $188K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop high-performance ETL solutions, integrating data from diverse sources. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and ensure complianc...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $300K *

Lead the charge in managing large-scale mission-critical projects, ensuring strategic execution, financial performance, and team development. Drive client satisfaction and operational excellence in fa...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Elevate your career by driving data engineering excellence in Palantir Foundry, transforming legacy systems into robust pipelines and applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams to de...

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of bulk power system reliability by leading strategic assessments, performance analysis, and data integration. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with multidisciplinar...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$69K - $123K *

Lead critical bridge inspections and collaborate with engineers to ensure safety and compliance. Engage in emergency responses, prepare detailed reports, and support project scoping within a dynamic t...

Portage, MIRemote

2 days ago

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

$120K - $150K *

Champion transformative AI adoption by working closely with enterprise clients, designing and executing integration solutions that elevate their operations and automate processes, while ensuring susta...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$70K - $117K *

Drive your career with hands-on facility assessments across diverse sites. Collaborate with clients, conduct in-depth inspections, and ensure compliance while utilizing modern technology to deliver im...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $204K *

Champion Global Supply Chain Management activities for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile portfolio, driving material strategies, forecasting, and supplier assessments to ensure timely delivery and operat...

Rhode Island, USRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in ensuring the quality and reliability of our SaaS cardiac device management platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute comprehensive testing and advocate for seamle...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead a national team of Sales Specialists to drive growth through effective sales execution, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Foster collaboration with regional teams while enhancing associate ca...

Norcross, GARemote

2 days ago

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

$80K - $120K *

Elevate your career by leading complex installations and mentoring engineers as you manage project success and drive customer-focused outcomes in the semiconductor industry. Join us in optimizing tech...

Manassas, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Transform automation systems by leading controls hardware projects, from design to implementation. Drive innovation in electrical design, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality project delivery whi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by designing and developing safety-critical firmware for vehicle control systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance performance and ensure compliance with forma...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's driving financial excellence in manufacturing operations. As a strategic partner, you'll enhance profitability through insightful analysis, budgeting, and capital management while f...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.