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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$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Huntsville, ALRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Vaughan, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.