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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$95K - $115K *

Lead electrical engineering initiatives to support maintenance and infrastructure projects at a historic shipyard. Collaborate with vendors and local officials to ensure project success while adhering...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $154K *

Optimize process engineering for nuclear facility projects, ensuring high-quality design and support across disciplines. Drive project execution from concept to detailed design while enhancing safety...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $141K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of airborne technologies by applying your advanced mechanical engineering expertise to develop high-performance solutions for military aircraft, ensuring mission...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $141K *

Elevate airborne technology development by applying advanced mechanical engineering expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design high-performance solutions that enhance military aircra...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$200K - $250K *

Lead the charge in innovating system architecture focused on hardware and software integration. Drive cross-functional decisions and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure designs meet evolving custo...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $147K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of avionics by leading mission management equipment engineering efforts, ensuring technical rigor, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve mission...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $128K *

Join a team that's applying systems engineering expertise to spacecraft design, focusing on ConOps, requirements management, integration, and validation activities to meet mission objectives in a coll...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $131K *

Drive satellite operations and engineering solutions for national defense, analyzing telemetry, developing scripts, and optimizing performance across the lifecycle of space systems. Join a team dedica...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $150K *

Shape the future of public transit by utilizing your engineering expertise. Collaborate with dynamic teams to deliver world-class solutions, ensuring compliance and reducing carbon footprints in Canad...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $160K *

Grow your career by managing large, multi-disciplinary rail projects, driving innovation and collaboration across teams to deliver integrated solutions that meet rigorous standards and enhance communi...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$79K - $119K *

Champion innovative mechanical engineering solutions in undersea systems. Collaborate on design, analysis, and testing of advanced hardware while enhancing your skills in a dynamic team environment fo...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in managing Aeropropulsion test programs, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring project readiness. Drive project success through effective planning, communication, and adherence...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Drive innovative solutions in flight testing and modeling for hypersonic platforms. Collaborate with a dynamic team to analyze requirements, develop algorithms, and support mission operations in a fas...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $162K *

Shape the future of optical engineering by designing and analyzing advanced imaging systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-performance optical solutions for critical aerospac...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $97K *

Unlock potential by joining a team that prioritizes precision and quality in engineering. Collaborate closely across disciplines to design, troubleshoot, and implement solutions that enhance productio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$181K - $232K *

Elevate manufacturing processes for mission-critical payload systems, ensuring quality and precision in assembly. Collaborate with design teams and customers to translate requirements into executable...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing engineering solutions for complex mechanical systems. Collaborate with experts to design, test, and implement innovative projects while ensuring compliance wi...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Develop innovative telematics and sensing products, leading designs from concept to production while ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting hardware architecture with cross-functional teams...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$161K - $271K *

Drive the development of advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous spacecraft operations, ensuring safe and efficient rendezvous and proximity maneuvers while leading a dyna...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $260K *

Lead the charge in designing and integrating advanced missile and UAV launcher systems. Own mechanical architecture from concept to production, collaborating across functions to ensure compliance and...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to advance missile modeling and simulation capabilities. Leverage your aerospace engineering expertise to develop analytical models and tools, enhancing performance analysis of thr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $229K *

Advance your career by leading aerodynamic analysis and design efforts, integrating Flight Sciences inputs, and collaborating with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic aerospace...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $180K *

Drive the expansion of power generation by enhancing nuclear plant output through consulting, technical reviews, and project management while mentoring junior staff and interfacing with clients and ve...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Unlock potential by enhancing power output in nuclear plants through consulting, engineering proposals, and technical evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to ensure project success while me...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Transform the nuclear power landscape by leading engineering projects to enhance energy output and safety. Collaborate with clients and teams, providing critical insights and mentorship while managing...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.