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.
$80K - $95K *
Transform customer needs into effective mechanical engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage system integration, and ensure project completion on time and within budget wh...
Reposted today
Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer
$103K - $155K *
Elevate your career by designing cutting-edge mechanical systems for space technology. Lead projects from concept to implementation, ensuring high performance and reliability while collaborating with...
Reposted 1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Navy Steam and Auxiliary Systems
$78K - $108K *
Engineer innovative mechanical systems for military vessels, providing design, testing, and obsolescence support. Collaborate with teams to enhance functionality and ensure compliance with specificati...
1 week ago
Senior Project Engineer - Advanced Engines
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced Spark Ignition engine projects, focusing on emissions compliance and efficiency. Collaborate with engineers to innovate and validate technologies for future intern...
1 week ago
Senior Project Engineer - Advanced Engines
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate and develop advanced Spark Ignition engine technologies, focusing on emissions compliance and efficiency. Engage in creative engineering projects that shape the future...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Engineer, Solid Rocket Motors
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading the development and optimization of solid rocket motor manufacturing processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality production and drive continuo...
Yesterday
$78K - $128K *
Elevate your engineering career by developing control systems and collaborating with suppliers to ensure high-quality hardware meets technical requirements. Drive performance improvements and support...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your engineering career by leading mechanical design projects, conducting technical reviews, and resolving complex issues in diverse construction environments. Collaborate with teams to ensure...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative mechanical designs and lead technical reviews for diverse projects. Collaborate with teams to resolve design challenges and ensure compliance with standards throughout the construc...
2 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs and technical reviews, ensuring compliance and resolving issues during construction. Collaborate with A-E firms to enhance project outcomes across diverse mechanica...
2 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs and technical reviews, ensuring compliance and resolving issues during construction. Collaborate with A-E firms to deliver high-quality mechanical systems for diver...
2 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the mechanical engineering team, overseeing design, quality assurance, and technical support for projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure project success while serving as the mechanical...
1 week ago
$58K - $109K *
Explore your potential as you support experienced engineers in solving real-world challenges, enhancing product performance, and developing your technical skills through hands-on experience and struct...
2 weeks ago
Engineer / Principal Engineer Aeronautical
$91K - $171K *
Unlock potential by applying engineering principles to design, analyze, and evaluate complex systems. Collaborate within integrated teams to deliver innovative solutions and prepare technical document...
3 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer / Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading electromechanical product development, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across teams to enhance design standards and drive projects from prototype to production-ready...
2 days ago
Staff Engineer - Guidance Navigation Controls
$152K - $265K *
Drive the development of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for air vehicles. Collaborate in a dynamic team to design algorithms and simulations, ensuring optimal performance and stabi...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to the development of critical electrical systems for submarines, interfacing with internal and external teams. Manage system specifications, review design products, and drive project succe...
Reposted today
Senior Principal Mission Engineer
$153K - $190K *
Join a team that's empowering the U.S. Air Force's Big Safari mission by providing expert mission engineering support for advanced Electromagnetic Battle Management systems and enhancing cross-platfor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Motor Controls Design Engineer
$107K - $204K *
Optimize motor control systems by designing, testing, and documenting power conversion circuitry. Collaborate with teams to drive projects from concept to integration, ensuring timely delivery and adh...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Propulsion Design - Ranger (R6346)
$140K - $210K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and deliver cutting-edge propulsion hardware for UAVs. This hands-on role involves full lifecycle support, from design to production, requiring collaboration across mult...
3 days ago
Electrical Engineer - UUVs & Undersea Electronics
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing advanced electrical systems for unmanned underwater vehicles and related technologies. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust and reliable underwater ope...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Power System Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Join us to lead the design and implementation of advanced electrical power systems, ensuring reliability and compliance for complex aerospace applications. Engage with cross-functional teams and drive...
3 weeks ago
Operations Development Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI
$79K - $112K *
Innovate and lead the transition of new products from design to manufacturing, ensuring timely market launch with quality and cost efficiency. Collaborate across teams to define requirements and manag...
6 days ago
Operations Development Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI
$79K - $112K *
Lead the transition of new products from design to manufacturing, ensuring timely market launch with quality and cost efficiency. Collaborate across teams to define requirements and manage project del...
1 week ago
$153K - $172K *
Elevate your career by designing and building spacecraft hardware. Collaborate with senior engineers, take ownership of components, and drive integration and testing in a fast-paced environment. Exper...
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.