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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$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

$95K - $115K *

Join us as a Structural Dynamics Engineer, leading high-frequency dynamics analysis for launch vehicles and spacecraft. You'll ensure structural integrity and mitigate risks through advanced modeling...

Today

  •   Less than 5 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...

1 week 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

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing mechanical systems by conducting structural analysis and testing, optimizing designs, and directly engaging with hardware from concept to deployment in dynamic envir...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $118K *

Drive innovative design in fuel cell components through hands-on prototyping and testing. Collaborate with multifunctional teams to ensure performance and manufacturability, while managing detailed en...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$79K - $118K *

Lead the charge in designing fuel cell stack components, ensuring optimal performance and manufacturability through innovative engineering solutions, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$97K - $130K *

Lead the design and integration of complex electro-mechanical systems, focusing on automated manufacturing processes. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop innovative solutions and ensure complia...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic team to design, build, and optimize unique mechanical systems for innovating fuel fabrication processes, while fostering cross-functional collaboration for ope...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Unlock the potential of aerospace innovation by conducting critical lab tests. Engage with cutting-edge analytical chemistry to evaluate propellant performance and support space launch operations. Col...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Unlock potential by joining our dynamic engineering team to drive material selection, process development, and qualification for launch vehicles, ensuring high-performance standards throughout the har...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$99K - $166K *

Elevate your career as a Metallurgical Engineer, driving material selection, process development, and qualification for launch vehicles. Collaborate across teams to enhance hardware performance and me...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge gas engine power generation systems. Lead electrical design from inception to commissioning, ensuring compliance with UL standards while collaborating with global...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$175K - $225K *

Drive your career with innovative embedded systems engineering, overseeing controls for turbine operations from inception to execution. Collaborate closely with test teams to ensure robustness and rel...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by driving the design and analysis of autonomous surface vessels, leveraging advanced naval architecture principles and cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $190K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge lithium-ion battery packs for aerospace, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and performance standards while collaborating closely with internal teams...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Invent and enhance cutting-edge robotic workcells by building, testing, and optimizing mechanical and electromechanical systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration and effec...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.