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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mechanical Engineer, Technical Lead
$120K - $206K *
Join a team that's shaping the future by leading development in hypersonic flight vehicle systems. Collaborate with engineers across disciplines to innovate, design, and test as you drive advancements...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Calibration Engineer - Propulsion System Interface Calibration
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by developing engine calibration solutions that meet performance, emissions, and regulatory standards. Collaborate across teams to enhance vehicle systems and ensure compliance whi...
2 days ago
Manufacturing Engineer, Propellant
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in propellant manufacturing processes for solid rocket motors, focusing on development, optimization, and scaling. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, reliability...
Today
$138K - $193K *
Join us in defining the mechanical architecture for cutting-edge systems, optimizing designs, and enhancing performance. Collaborate across disciplines to drive innovation from concept to production...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in electrical integration for major construction programs. Collaborate across functions to ensure seamless transitions and continuous improvement, while supportin...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Support cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless transitions in electrical integration for construction programs, driving continuous improvement and problem resolution while providing essenti...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape innovative mechanical designs for high-power utility equipment while collaborating across teams to optimize packaging, thermal management, and production processes. Drive product development fro...
Reposted 5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of lunar missions by integrating GN&C hardware for spacecraft. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, test, and validate cutting-edge technology, ensuring mission succes...
3 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer - Fuel Cell Systems
$114K - $185K *
Join us to shape the future of hydrogen fuel cell systems as a Principal Electrical Engineer. Lead electrical design, mentor engineers, and drive innovation from concept to production while balancing...
1 week ago
Principal Environmental Engineer
$98K - $148K *
Drive environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives at a complex defense development facility, collaborating with various teams to ensure regulatory adherence while managing waste and implem...
Reposted 1 week ago
$78K - $150K *
Empower innovative engineering by diagnosing systems, managing projects, and mentoring junior engineers. Drive product development and improvement, providing technical support and solutions while ensu...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Structural - Aircraft Dynamics
$114K - $171K *
Lead innovative aircraft dynamics projects, collaborating with diverse teams to deliver advanced structural analyses and support design initiatives for complex aerospace programs, ensuring cutting-edg...
3 weeks ago
Project Engineer - Research and Development
$64K - $95K *
Empower project success by coordinating engineering efforts across multiple workstreams. Drive visibility, track deliverables, and resolve issues to ensure timely project execution while supporting te...
Yesterday
Project Engineer - Research and Development
$64K - $95K *
Lead the execution of engineering projects by coordinating activities, tracking progress, and resolving issues. Collaborate with technical teams to ensure project commitments are met while developing...
Yesterday
Mechanical Design Engineer II - Reactivity Controls
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's pioneering mechanical design for reactor reactivity controls, focusing on innovative solutions and systems integration. Leverage your engineering expertise to ensure safe reactor op...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge payloads and technologies for nuclear-enabled missions. Collaborate with engineering teams and stakeholders to ensure mission success from ideation to execution...
1 month ago
Mechanical Engineer - Maritime
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of unmanned maritime sensor systems by leading design, testing, and operational deployment initiatives. Bring your mechanical engineering expertise to mentor a team in developing inno...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Champion innovative manufacturing processes and enhance product quality while collaborating across teams. Lead the design and implementation of procedures to optimize aerospace production efficiency i...
Reposted 1 week ago
$99K - $166K *
Reimagine mechanical engineering by leading design and development of innovative systems for energy transmission and utilization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance launch operations w...
Reposted 1 week ago
$99K - $166K *
Design, develop, and enhance mechanical systems for energy transmission and measurement, addressing complex engineering challenges while leading projects from concept to installation across multiple s...
Reposted 1 week ago
Aerospace Engineer - Flight Mechanics
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to perform Flight Mechanics analysis for next-gen launch vehicles, ensuring mission success through advanced simulations and technical collaboration in suppo...
2 days ago
$110K - $150K *
Explore your career as a Marine Engineer, providing vital expertise in ship design and systems integration, ensuring exceptional performance in marine engineering projects, and mentoring junior staff...
3 weeks ago
Senior Virtual Propulsion Engineer - Thermal & Hydraulics
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation in propulsion systems by developing advanced simulation models. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance design validation and efficiency, while mentoring colleagues and leading pro...
Reposted 3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower the future of marine training by designing comprehensive curricula and delivering impactful instruction for military personnel, enhancing operational readiness through your expertise in marine...
3 weeks ago
Senior Marine Propulsion Engineer (USCG)
$110K - $140K *
Shape the future of marine propulsion systems by leveraging your expertise in ship machinery and technical documentation to enhance vessel modernization and sustainment initiatives, ensuring safety an...
1 week ago
What does a propulsion engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.