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.
Staff Industrial Engineer (Spacecraft Production Scaling)
$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
$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
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Project Manager / Program Manager) - Nuclear
$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
Senior Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Engineer
$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
Senior Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal / Sr. Principal Mechanical Analysis Engineer
$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
Mechanical Engineer/Principal Mechanical Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$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
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$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
Propulsion Thermal HIL Test Specialist
$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...
3 weeks ago
Lead Engine Performance Engineer
$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
Engineer Sr/Spec/Prin - Systems- Embedded Engineer
$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
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Analyst - Program Management
$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
$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
$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
$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
Mechanical Design Engineer I/II - Space
$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
$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
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.