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.
Junior Propulsion and Power Engineer
$84K - $87K *
Engage as a Junior Engineer, tackling complex engineering challenges with guidance. Deliver optimized technical solutions while contributing to project management and team leadership in aviation propu...
Reposted 2 days ago
Propulsion Design Engineer for HLS
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing propulsion systems for NASA's Human Launch Systems. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and support the creation of inn...
2 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineers / Design Engineers - 4
$122K - $184K *
Join a team that's redefining aerospace innovation, contributing to critical missions through advanced design and analysis of solid rocket motors. Collaborate with experts to develop cutting-edge solu...
Yesterday
$157K - $206K *
Drive the development and integration of Solid Rocket Motor systems for hypersonic flight. Collaborate with suppliers through design, testing, and operations to ensure compliance with technical requir...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion the future of propulsion engineering by providing hands-on support for CFM56 engine maintenance and repair. Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot issues, ensuring compliance and o...
2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer (Rocket Motors)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and testing advanced rocket motor systems, ensuring high-performance propulsion for hypersonic vehicles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation from...
Yesterday
Propulsion Components Engineer
$140K - $232K *
Empower your career by leading the design and qualification of propulsion components for advanced satellite systems. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance reliability and performance w...
2 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer - Structural Analysis - Level 3/4
$108K - $163K *
Engineer advanced solid rocket motor propulsion systems through structural analyses, model creation, and technical assessments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system improvements and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$152K - $229K *
Transform the aerospace landscape by leading material initiatives and managing compliance. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle challenges in propulsion systems, ensuring innovative solutions and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$152K - $229K *
Lead the charge in advancing propulsion systems by managing material initiatives, overcoming obsolescence challenges, and mentoring engineers, ensuring compliance and technical excellence in a collabo...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer cutting-edge marine propulsion solutions, leading design from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to enhance CFD workflows and integrate AI-augmented simulation, driving innovation a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer II - Ground Fluids
$119K - $152K *
Take ownership of ground fluid systems for spacecraft, overseeing architecture, design, and operations. Lead propellant loading campaigns, define processes, and mentor engineers while ensuring mission...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by delivering propulsion systems engineering support across defense programs, from proposal to certification. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and ensu...
Yesterday
Propulsion Technician (Engine Final Assembly)
$72K - $104K *
Join us to support the final assembly of rocket engines, ensuring precision and reliability in high-stakes aerospace manufacturing. Your expertise will be crucial in integrating complex propulsion sys...
2 days ago
Lead Electric Propulsion Engineer
$130K - $160K *
Drive the electric propulsion team's vision, overseeing development, qualification, and production of critical spacecraft subsystems, ensuring alignment with performance, reliability, and manufacturin...
3 weeks ago
$220K - $260K *
Partner with us to lead the technical vision and execution of spacecraft systems, overseeing architecture, cross-functional teams, and risk management from concept through launch to ensure mission suc...
3 weeks ago
Propulsion SME Engineer - Thruster Systems
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of propulsion technology, driving the design and execution of advanced bipropellant thruster systems. Lead multidisciplinary efforts to innovatively meet performanc...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Propulsion Engineer (PPMS Team)
$110K - $130K *
Design and develop advanced propulsion systems, collaborating across teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance. Drive projects from concept to flight-ready hardware in a dynamic aerospace env...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem
$165K - $290K *
Manage the strategy and execution of propulsion systems across vehicles, leading a dynamic team of engineers to deliver advanced propulsion subsystems on aggressive timelines while fostering a culture...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Propulsion Vehicle Subsystem
$165K - $290K *
Take ownership of propulsion systems strategy and execution, leading a skilled team to develop cutting-edge subsystems. Drive technical decisions while cultivating a culture of excellence, safety, and...
3 weeks ago
Propulsion Test Engineer (Raptor Components)
$100K - $160K *
Join us to lead hands-on testing of Raptor engine components, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions. Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to develop test plans, execute campaigns, and drive i...
3 days ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)
$165K - $245K *
Lead the design and development of advanced combustion devices, optimizing performance and reliability for next-gen propulsion systems. Collaborate with teams to innovate and enhance manufacturing pro...
2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)
$165K - $245K *
Innovate cutting-edge combustion device designs for advanced propulsion systems. Lead full lifecycle development, leveraging expertise in regenerative cooling, combustion stability, and additive manuf...
2 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer I - Hardware and Bus Systems
$109K - $139K *
Transform propulsion systems by owning hardware and subsystem design, analysis, and testing for spacecraft. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance vehicle performance and reliability, contributing t...
2 days ago
$77K - $129K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions in propulsion systems design, integration, and anomaly resolution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and performance for...
Reposted 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.