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.
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$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
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$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
Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst
$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
$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
$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
Electro Mechanical Design Engineer
$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
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Fuels Program
$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
$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
$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
$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
Principal Electrical Engineer-Genset
$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
Controls & Embedded Systems Engineer
$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
$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
$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
$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
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining aircraft performance engineering. Lead innovative projects, coordinate technical activities, and ensure safety standards for multiple aircraft programs while mentoring a...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development and integration of advanced space systems, providing expert technical support and analysis for national security payloads. Collaborate with government stakeholders to ensure m...
1 week ago
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Pioneer advanced propulsion technologies by leading R&D efforts in Solid Rocket Motors. Drive feasibility studies, design, and testing while providing technical leadership across programs and collabor...
3 days ago
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Transform propulsion technologies by leading R&D initiatives, conducting feasibility studies, and guiding design and testing processes. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful technology transitio...
3 days ago
Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Project Manager / Program Manager) - Nuclear
$145K - $222K *
Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in engineering projects for nuclear power plants. Oversee project lifecycle, ensuring safety, schedule adherence, budget compliance, and client satisfaction whi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$103K - $155K *
Champion manufacturing excellence by optimizing welding and fabrication processes for marine propulsion systems, collaborating with engineers to enhance production efficiency and sustainability while...
3 days ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$89K - $134K *
Transform manufacturing processes by designing and documenting procedures, enhancing productivity, and ensuring quality for a critical national security program. Collaborate with engineering teams to...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in power-conversion hardware, collaborating across teams to design and validate high-performance electrical systems for cutting-edge electrochemical reactors, ensuring efficiency, saf...
Today
Mechanical Engineer IV - Design
$119K - $165K *
Join a team that's tackling complex engineering challenges across design, analysis, and manufacturing. Leverage your expertise in advanced materials and systems engineering to drive innovation and opt...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer IV - Design
$135K - $185K *
Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex engineering challenges across design, analysis, and manufacturing. Leverage your expertise in advanced materials and systems engineering to drive innova...
2 weeks 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.