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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$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

$100K - $120K *

Engineer and optimize safety-critical flight software, develop and test GN&C algorithms, and validate requirements. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance flight software processes and conduct in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $170K *

Join our team to design and validate innovative mechanical systems for UAS. Collaborate across functions, enhancing product performance while staying informed on cutting-edge engineering advancements...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$67K - $125K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing program planning and execution. You'll coordinate schedules, manage budgets, and analyze project impacts while ensuring effective communication with stakehol...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $152K *

Lead the charge in enhancing nuclear power plant efficiency through advanced mechanical analysis. Collaborate with clients and teams to optimize systems, ensuring safety and performance in power uprat...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by performing advanced structural analysis for battery systems, ensuring optimal design and integration. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance product development and deliver...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative combustion design as you tackle complex aerothermal challenges through advanced modeling and systems analysis, ensuring optimal performance and emissions standards in gas turbine t...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in leading a team of engineers in propulsion test projects, ensuring quality standards and schedules are met, while shaping engineering efforts across multiple disciplines for rocket e...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading airworthiness certification efforts for advanced military aircraft systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance operational readines...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $188K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by developing cutting-edge guidance and control algorithms for a reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle. Take ownership from design to flight, ensuring r...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Innovate mission success by combining engineering expertise with operations strategy. Drive mission design, planning, and execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exception...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Grow your career with a leading role in systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on design, requirements management, and verification activities to ensure mission success and foster collab...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

Shape the future of propulsion and ordnance systems by leading design, integration, and testing efforts for advanced aerospace projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful pr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $135K *

Shape the future of advanced missile systems by leading mechanical design and analysis. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive innovative solutions and communicate technical insights effectively to s...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Partner with us to drive innovative mechanical design solutions for Navy missile systems. Leverage your expertise in complex programs to lead design analysis and collaborate with diverse teams, ensuri...

Indiana, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $149K *

Innovate the future of freight locomotives by leading controls design for energy management systems. Drive technical excellence, enhance product features, and mentor engineers while ensuring robust pe...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $135K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and analyze mechanical systems for spacecraft, ensuring robust performance from concept through flight. This hands-on role demands ownership of the en...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Take ownership of safety analysis deliverables, ensuring high quality and timely execution while leading cross-disciplinary collaboration to support the Mark 1 reactor's licensing and design phases...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Elevate nuclear testing processes by preparing and reviewing critical procedures to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of naval propulsion plants, coordinating efforts for compliance and qualit...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to provide engineering support for Auxiliary Machinery Systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance through testing, troubleshooting, and system assessments in a naval envi...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $195K *

Lead the global supply chain strategy for propulsion systems, ensuring timely delivery and supplier performance while optimizing cost and quality in a fast-paced defense environment. Collaborate cross...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading advanced turbine mechanical design efforts, enhancing component performance through innovative solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive engineering...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Manage propulsion and mechanical systems for aircraft development projects, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and delivering quality design solutions. Lead teams and coordinate with suppliers t...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.