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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$175K - $205K *

Transform spacecraft production by developing scalable strategies and optimizing operations. Collaborate across teams to enhance throughput and remove constraints, ensuring readiness for rapid growth...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of innovative mechanical systems for sustainable home energy products. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance product performance and relia...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$118K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to lead multidisciplinary projects in nuclear power, enhancing safety, efficiency, and innovation while fostering positive relationships and ensuring timely, on-budget completion o...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Drive solid rocket motor development from design to production, leading analysis, testing, and integration efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful hardware execution and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design and development of solid rocket motors, overseeing all phases from concept to production. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful testing and integration, driving...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Engineer cutting-edge mechanical systems through design, analysis, and testing. Focus on thermal, structural, and packaging challenges under various environmental conditions to ensure optimal performa...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $112K *

Transform manufacturing processes by leveraging lean principles and data analysis. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhance safety and quality, and lead teams to achieve operational excellenc...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$68K - $98K *

Transform manufacturing processes by leveraging lean principles to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. Collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and develop innovative so...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$103K - $155K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in national defense through advanced mechanical analysis. Collaborate with experts to design military avionics, utilizing model-based engineering and agile practi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $119K *

Join our team to develop and validate ruggedized electronic equipment for military applications. Collaborate with engineers across disciplines, manage projects, and solve complex technical challenges...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to design and build innovative mechanical and fluid systems for rocket testing and launch operations, enhancing reliability and performance in a fast-paced environment...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$173K - $238K *

Lead and inspire cross-functional teams to drive large-scale engineering projects. Oversee project execution, ensuring adherence to specifications and quality standards while fostering innovation and...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$173K - $238K *

Transform engineering projects by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring innovation, quality standards, and cost efficiency while effectively interfacing with stakeholders and driving strategic proj...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in developing resilient space vehicle systems, ensuring seamless integration and support throughout the lifecycle. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative capabilities tha...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Deliver comprehensive systems engineering support for space vehicle development, ensuring integration and operational readiness across the spacecraft lifecycle while collaborating with diverse teams t...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $136K *

Champion the validation of thermal systems through leading HIL testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure robust software releases and system integrations for optimized vehicle perfo...

Oshawa, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $164K *

Join a global engineering team to enhance gas engine performance and emissions. Lead innovative projects, drive development, and mentor engineers while setting strategic direction in a dynamic, collab...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative ship construction on the COLUMBIA Program by collaborating with operations supervision and trades, facilitating problem-solving, and driving efficiency to achieve critical project...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$93K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to high-impact aerospace missions by leading program management efforts, overseeing budgets and schedules, and ensuring technical excellence. Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $140K *

Elevate manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and improving energetics processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing automotive technology by designing and validating cutting-edge electronic modules for OEM and aftermarket applications, while providing technical leadership and fost...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$177K - $265K *

Join our dynamic engineering team to lead airworthiness certification efforts for various air vehicle platforms, ensuring compliance and safety throughout the product lifecycle while collaborating wit...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $150K *

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design and develop innovative hardware for space nuclear systems, ensuring integration and performance across missions to the Moon and Mars. Drive requirem...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Champion progress at the forefront of metallurgical engineering, providing essential support to production operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve material and process ch...

6 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.