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.
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in propulsion technologies. Lead advanced R&D for Solid Rocket Motors, guiding projects from feasibility to production while collaborating with cross-functional t...
Yesterday
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Lead advanced R&D initiatives for Solid Rocket Motor technologies, driving feasibility studies, design, and testing. Provide technical leadership across programs and serve as the primary interface for...
Yesterday
Project Engineer - Flight Projects
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of space exploration by developing project documentation, collaborating with design teams, and ensuring hardware meets specifications. Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing human...
1 week ago
Project Engineer - Flight Projects
$95K - $115K *
Elevate space exploration by leading project documentation, collaborating with design teams, and ensuring hardware integrity. Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing human understanding of the univ...
1 week ago
$151K - $185K *
Elevate your career as a Project Engineer, leading hypersonic air vehicle programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical strategies, manage risks, and ensure successful executi...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Thrust Vector Control Systems Integration & Component Development Hydraulic Engineer (ES4)
$100K - $120K *
Contribute to advanced propulsion systems by integrating and testing hydraulic and electromechanical control systems, ensuring mission success through innovative engineering solutions and collaboratio...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer, Maritime Support Systems
$129K - $171K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative support systems for autonomous maritime vehicles, ensuring their effective operation in diverse environments while collaborating closely with cross...
6 days ago
$82K - $136K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of spacecraft design! As a Structures Design Engineer, you'll oversee the development of cutting-edge structures, generate detailed drawings, and drive innova...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineer
$80K - $140K *
Transform the future of aerospace by leading the design and manufacturing of groundbreaking thermal protection systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and compliance, optimi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Engineer - Guidance Navigation Controls
$152K - $265K *
Engineer cutting-edge guidance, navigation, and control systems for air vehicles. Collaborate in a dynamic team to develop algorithms and simulations, ensuring optimal performance and stability for bo...
1 week ago
Senior Aerospace Engineer, Aerothermal & Hypersonics
$155K - $195K *
Lead the charge in high-speed aerodynamic and aerothermal design for next-gen hypersonic systems. Collaborate across disciplines to optimize vehicle performance and support testing efforts, ensuring s...
2 weeks ago
Stress/Structures Analysis Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Analyze and assess structural performance of airframe components using FEA methods. Collaborate on design evaluations, documentation, and testing to ensure durability and compliance with industry stan...
1 week ago
$140K - $180K *
Join a dynamic project management team driving successful engineering contract execution. Lead customer relations, manage schedules and budgets, and ensure timely delivery while mitigating risks. Shap...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join our team to design and manage critical fluid systems for launch sites and test stands. Engage with cross-functional teams to tackle real challenges while enhancing propulsion technology across mu...
Reposted 1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Shape the future of fluid systems by leading the design and implementation of critical fluid infrastructure for launch sites and test stands, collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve real-wo...
Today
Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I
$115K - $172K *
Help us shape the future of propulsion design by leading engine component development. You'll collaborate with experts to optimize performance, ensure manufacturability, and drive innovation from conc...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems Engineer - Power & Thermal
$117K - $195K *
Transform complex spacecraft designs through rigorous systems engineering, focusing on Power and Thermal subsystems. Lead ConOps development, manage requirements, and ensure integration and validation...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $134K *
Drive the design and development of electromechanical systems for naval platforms, ensuring reliability and performance in demanding environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver m...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $195K *
Lead thermal design and integration for orbital platforms, managing requirements and overseeing hardware from concept to launch. Mentor junior engineers while driving innovation and excellence in ther...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative seating systems, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that balance design and functionality for current and futur...
4 weeks ago
$145K - $195K *
Analyze thermal design and integration for orbital platforms, managing requirements and overseeing hardware from concept to launch. Mentor junior engineers while contributing to proposals and ensuring...
1 week ago
$145K - $195K *
Elevate thermal design and integration for orbital platforms, managing requirements and guiding projects from concept to launch while mentoring junior engineers and enhancing team capabilities...
1 week ago
$109K - $148K *
Take ownership of spacecraft hardware from concept to flight, collaborating across disciplines to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems. Join a dynamic team where your innovative solutions will...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Transform UAV flight dynamics by developing and tuning control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance stability, performance, and mission success through advanced modeling, simula...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...
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.