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.
$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
$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
Test Engineer – Submarine Operations Technical Lead
$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
Engineer - Propulsion Performance
$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
Engineer - Propulsion Performance
$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
$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
$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
Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$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
Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$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
Senior Electrical Engineer, Infrastructure
$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...
1 week ago
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Launch Engineer III - Propulsion
$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
$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
Engineering Manager - Piston and Power Supply
$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
Senior Aerospace Production Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion
$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
Senior Technical Program Manager, Propulsion
$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
$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
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.