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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$96K - $154K *

Develop and maintain quality software for internal stakeholders, focusing on Python and AWS. Collaborate in an Agile environment, define architecture, and mentor junior developers while enhancing lega...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$91K - $114K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team as you manage project documentation, coordinate timelines, and drive innovative solutions while fostering a collaborative environment and mentoring others...

California, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$77K - $100K *

Design and execute high-voltage substation projects (34.5kV-500kV) focusing on safety, quality, and reliability. Collaborate with a team of experts to deliver engineering solutions and ensure complian...

Marlton, NJRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $175K *

Empower communities by leading water infrastructure projects, ensuring quality and compliance while collaborating with a skilled team. Take charge of budgets, schedules, and client communications to e...

Colorado, USRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$75K - $100K *

Deliver innovative AI-powered safety solutions, managing client implementations while driving project success across diverse industries. Collaborate with teams to provide crucial insights that enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Pioneer the success of large-scale construction projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. Lead diverse teams, manage client relationships, and drive strategic planning while overseeing...

Texas, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $218K *

Transform the future of aerospace engineering by leading multi-site teams, enhancing technical capabilities, and driving operational excellence to meet customer demands and improve performance across...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$279K - $419K *

Partner with us to drive power modeling and optimization across CPU, AI, and SoC designs. Collaborate across architecture and implementation phases to enhance performance and efficiency while leading...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive operational excellence by leading engineering, data, and AI teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring high-quality project delivery and te...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI by leading technical direction and architecture for innovative agent systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, security, and efficiency while mentoring...

United StatesRemote

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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving project excellence by leading a diverse group of Project Managers. You'll optimize resources, enhance delivery outcomes, and foster high performance across critical VA initi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $211K *

Empower business leaders by driving strategic initiatives that enhance performance across Sales and Account Management. Utilize data-driven insights to translate complex challenges into actionable pla...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$141K - $268K *

Lead the charge in creating a trusted enterprise baseline across 5,000+ applications and technology components, driving risk-based actions through AI-enabled workflows to enhance visibility, reduce ri...

Dearborn, MIRemote

1 week 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...

United StatesRemote

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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Transform healthcare through innovative AI deployments. As a key technical expert, you'll develop and implement cutting-edge systems that enhance clinical workflows and optimize patient interactions...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in developing Fleetio's connected-vehicle data strategy and product line from the ground up. Drive innovative data solutions, partnerships, and user experiences that enhance fleet oper...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 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

$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

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.