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.
$103K - $181K *
Empower project success by integrating engineering, budget, and scheduling aspects for medium-sized projects. Ensure technical excellence and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to meet client criteria...
Today
$103K - $181K *
Join us to integrate engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects, ensuring technical excellence and effective coordination across disciplines while supporting project management and...
Today
$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...
1 month 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...
Yesterday
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
$157K - $206K *
Lead the charge in advanced aerospace systems engineering by designing, developing, and testing electrical power systems for hypersonic vehicles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define req...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform lunar missions by contributing to GNC system design, development, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance spacecraft automation and ensure optimal performance through...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of operations engineering by leading a dynamic team focused on structures analysis and design. Drive strategic objectives, mentor talent, and ensure technical excellence while managin...
1 week ago
(SDS) Propulsion SMT Technical Lead - 19768
$166K - $289K *
Take ownership of supplier management for propulsion systems, leading cross-functional teams to ensure technical excellence and alignment with program objectives. Drive supplier performance and mitiga...
6 days ago
(SDS) Propulsion SMT Technical Lead - 19768
$166K - $289K *
Lead the charge in managing technical excellence for major supplier efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with program objectives and deliverables while driving innova...
6 days ago
(SDS) Propulsion SMT Technical Lead - 19768
$166K - $289K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead technical oversight for major supplier efforts, ensuring alignment with program objectives and driving technical excellence in liquid propulsion systems. Collaborate ac...
6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading technical direction in autonomy systems. Drive ownership of advanced perception, prediction, and planning components with cross-stack influence, facilitating innovation and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Shape the future of autonomy by leading technical direction in Perception, Prediction, and Planning. As the senior-most contributor, you'll influence cross-stack design and ensure functional architect...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$166K - $200K *
Champion the evolution of autonomous systems by driving innovative solutions in Perception, Prediction, and Planning. Influence the entire autonomy stack while collaborating with cross-functional team...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Propulsion Test Engineer, Turbomachinery
$112K - $149K *
Transform propulsion systems by developing test campaigns and requirements for advanced airbreathing turbine applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products and...
2 weeks ago
Principal Electromechanical Engineer
$103K - $155K *
Lead the development and testing of electromechanical systems for defense applications, collaborating across teams to ensure high-quality hardware solutions that meet national security objectives in a...
Today
Principal or Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer
$98K - $185K *
Explore a dynamic role in mechanical engineering, focusing on undersea hardware design, problem-solving, and technical planning. Collaborate with a diverse team to deliver innovative solutions while m...
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.