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.
Advanced Mechanical Design Engineer (Turbine Mechanical)
$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
Manager, IPT - Propulsion & Mechanical Systems
$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
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
$108K - $130K *
Lead a dynamic team to enhance manufacturing processes, drive operational efficiency, and ensure timely product delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to innovate and implement strategie...
2 weeks ago
Senior Structural Analysis Engineer
$145K - $205K *
Unlock potential by leading structural analysis for spacecraft, ensuring integrity through finite element modeling and hand calculations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support design, ver...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Unlock your potential as an engineer supporting the development and deployment of critical Ship Control Systems for U.S. Navy submarines, ensuring mission readiness through collaboration and innovatio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$81K - $151K *
Join a team that's driving Cyber Resiliency initiatives by managing workforce planning, metrics analysis, and resource allocation. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met wh...
1 week ago
$120K - $170K *
Empower electrical infrastructure by leading assessments and analysis, driving system performance and reliability. Engage in hands-on evaluations, roadmap improvements, and ensure operations align wit...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer - Traction Power
$100K - $176K *
Shape the future of rail infrastructure as a Lead Traction Power Engineer, managing traction power design for mass transit systems. Collaborate with teams, ensure code compliance, and innovate solutio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer - Traction Power
$100K - $176K *
Join a team that's redefining rail infrastructure by designing traction power systems. Lead projects, ensure compliance, and innovate solutions for mass transit systems. Engage with partners, from eng...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Aeronautical Engineer - Hypersonic Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics
$118K - $219K *
Shape the future of hypersonic technology by supporting advanced aerodynamics analysis. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge solutions for underwater launch and hypersonic flight, e...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Deliver innovative engineering solutions for Navy nuclear submarines, focusing on Ship Control Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission readiness through advanced design, in...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Deliver innovative designs for fusion hardware, tackling multidisciplinary engineering challenges. Collaborate with a dynamic team, optimize subsystem performance, and contribute to groundbreaking adv...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Project Engineer- auxiliary power unit (APU)
$110K - $130K *
Advance engineering excellence by leading APU projects, ensuring timely delivery and collaboration across teams. Drive innovation and operational success while managing risks and fostering continuous...
2 days ago
Gas Turbine Repair Engineering Manager
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on innovative gas turbine repair solutions. Lead engineering excellence, drive continuous improvement, and mentor a skilled team to enhance repair processe...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Help us drive innovation as a Mechanical Engineer, providing essential drafting support and generating detailed engineering drawings using CREO and Windchill in a dynamic aerospace environment with a...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion
$134K - $188K *
Shape the future of rocket engine manufacturing as you design innovative processes, drive quality, and lead hardware delivery in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate across teams to transform concept...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$185K - $225K *
Engage in a strategic leadership role overseeing Maritime systems, ensuring compliance and technical integrity from concept to delivery. Leverage your expertise to guide cross-functional teams and dri...
3 days ago
Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I
$132K - $198K *
Elevate mission success by developing and analyzing trajectories for space missions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex flight dynamics challenges, ensuring optimal performance f...
Today
Main System Engineer, Body Systems - Metals
$110K - $135K *
Champion collaboration and drive integration as you lead cross-functional teams in delivering Body Systems for innovative vehicles, ensuring technical alignment, readiness, and transparency to achieve...
4 weeks ago
Main System Engineer, Body Systems - Metals
$110K - $135K *
Join a dynamic team to drive integration and alignment across Body Systems in the Metals domain. Collaborate with diverse functions to enhance technical readiness and support the successful delivery o...
4 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer/Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer
$98K - $185K *
Reimagine the future of military technology by leading innovative mechanical engineering projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop ruggedized electronic systems, ensuring performanc...
Yesterday
$153K - $234K *
Elevate UAS detection capabilities by leading RF signal processing initiatives, developing innovative algorithms, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance surveillance technology and s...
3 days ago
Mission Integration Engineer (Commercial & Civil)
$100K - $205K *
Join a team that's integral to the technical integration of commercial and civil space missions, collaborating with diverse engineering disciplines to ensure successful payload delivery and mission re...
Today
$145K - $185K *
Lead the charge in advanced defense and aerospace programs, bridging engineering with business. Collaborate across teams to drive mission success while managing project scope, timelines, and technical...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Mission Design Engineer (2-5 yrs)
$88K - $116K *
Help us drive innovation in space exploration by applying your astrodynamics expertise to mission design and trajectory analysis, contributing to ambitious Earth-orbiting and interplanetary missions t...
Reposted 6 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.