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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$147K - $224K *

Champion innovation by leading mechanical design and analysis for aerospace applications, ensuring robust performance of electrical machines and packaging solutions while managing development projects...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$147K - $224K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by leading mechanical design and testing for high-performance electrical machines. Drive innovation in packaging solutions while managing projects an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Shape the future of submarine operations by providing technical guidance and ensuring quality in the development of technical manuals for critical ship systems. Collaborate across teams while driving...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$103K - $129K *

Shape the future of hypersonic propulsion systems by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design, analyze, and test innovative flowpaths, ensuring the development of cutting-edge flight-read...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $129K *

Join a dynamic team to advance hypersonic propulsion technologies through innovative design, analysis, and testing. Collaborate with experts to validate concepts and contribute to cutting-edge aerospa...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of submarine engineering by resolving technical challenges and supporting fleet modernization. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational readiness and ensure mission succe...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Lead the technical execution of complex military flight simulation projects, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with defense standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and serve as the...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $222K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance nuclear power plant efficiency through consulting, engineering proposals, and technical leadership. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior staff while driving innova...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Lead engineering initiatives to enhance power output in nuclear plants, managing resources and client interactions while mentoring junior staff. Drive technical evaluations and proposals to ensure com...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in electrical design for innovative rocket infrastructure. Collaborate with a lean team to shape power distribution, ensuring safe and efficient operations from concept to launch...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $91K *

Join a team that's redefining propulsion technology by leading complex builds, diagnosing system failures, and mentoring technicians. Collaborate across engineering and operations to enhance processes...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in designing custom switchboards and switchgear, creating detailed bills of materials, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance manufacturability and efficiency in a dynamic...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative switchboard designs, streamline manufacturing processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions in a dynamic environment. Embrace challenges...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $142K *

Unlock your potential as a key contributor in control dynamics, focusing on design and analysis for launch vehicle missions. Collaborate effectively with teams while presenting analyses and insights i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $142K *

Contribute to innovative control systems design and analysis for mission-critical operations on advanced launch vehicles. Collaborate in performance evaluations, peer reviews, and client presentations...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Champion the development and operations of a cutting-edge heavy-lift launch vehicle. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure safe, efficient test and launch operations while managing team...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $125K *

Support the integration and readiness of data collection vehicles for Super Cruise, collaborating across hardware, software, and systems to ensure functionality and reliability while driving technical...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Optimize engineering processes by leading teams in the development of innovative aviation ignition systems and airframe products, ensuring superior customer support and compliance with FAA standards...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Develop and optimize production processes for aerospace turbine components, leading technical projects and driving improvements in quality and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to support operation...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Elevate production efficiency by designing and optimizing electrical systems, overseeing installation and maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards in a dynamic manufacturing environm...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing electromechanical actuator products. As a Product Engineer, you'll collaborate across functions to enhance product quality and support lifecycle management, e...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $112K *

Shape the future of railway technology by developing innovative mechanical solutions. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance product design and performance for freight and transit railroads global...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$129K - $171K *

Drive innovations in propulsion systems as a Mechanical Engineer, overseeing the full design process from concept to production, while collaborating across teams to ensure robust, high-performance sol...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$206K - $232K *

Lead the end-to-end planning of propulsion systems development, ensuring seamless integration across teams, managing timelines, and driving production while maintaining clear communication with stakeh...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $200K *

Elevate your career by designing and developing test fixtures and mechanisms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance system performance while managing project timelines and deliverables i...

2 days ago

  •   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.