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.
$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
Missile Integration Lead Engineer
$110K - $191K *
Lead the charge in missile systems integration, managing complex interfaces and ensuring compatibility between DOE components and DoD platforms. Drive successful project lifecycle activities while col...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Manage the engineering support for submarine construction projects, coordinating testing and technical activities across departments. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure successful delivery of cr...
Reposted 3 days ago
$138K - $173K *
Shape the future of mechanical design by leading projects and mentoring teams. Utilize advanced engineering techniques to tackle complex construction problems and ensure compliance with project specif...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Develop intricate fluid systems for launch sites and test stands, collaborating with cross-functional teams. Own the complete lifecycle from design to activation, tackling real-world challenges while...
Reposted 1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms)
$80K - $95K *
Bring your expertise to design and develop mechanisms for spaceflight systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration and testing of innovative technologies in com...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms)
$88K - $105K *
Drive innovation in space exploration by designing and developing mechanisms and electromechanical assemblies for cutting-edge spaceflight systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure...
2 weeks ago
Experienced Mechanical Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative mechanical engineering solutions, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure project success in HVAC and plumbing systems for commercial and institutional faci...
1 week ago
Mechanical Integration Mechanical Lead Engineer (MIT MLE)
$90K - $110K *
Unlock potential by applying your mechanical engineering skills to enhance project outcomes. Collaborate across teams to ensure quality and compliance while contributing to innovative solutions in the...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Engineer Sr-Supplier Development (Supply Chain)
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of supplier performance by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance quality and delivery. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and conduct critical assessments to elev...
1 week ago
Guidance and Control Engineer IV - TS/SCI
$178K - $223K *
Contribute to the design and development of advanced guidance and control systems for spacecraft, focusing on algorithms, simulations, and performance validation to ensure successful mission operation...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in managing engineering projects across various sectors, ensuring financial success and effective teamwork. Drive project planning, client relationships, and technical excellence while...
3 weeks ago
Mission Operations Sustainment Engineer, MUSV
$88K - $105K *
Build and sustain autonomous unmanned surface vessels through hands-on maintenance, training military technicians, and driving design enhancements based on field data to ensure mission readiness in ch...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manufacturing Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Empower manufacturing excellence by bridging operations and technology. As an IT System Engineer, you'll analyze processes, implement solutions, and enhance efficiency in a dynamic production environm...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $165K *
Champion cross-functional engineering projects, driving aircraft development from concept to testing. Collaborate with teams to manage schedules, deliverables, and risks, ensuring successful integrati...
Today
Naval Architect (Hull, Hydrodynamics, Weights, Stability)
$110K - $150K *
Unlock potential by supporting Navy ship design through technical expertise and engineering efforts. Collaborate on hull design and stability while training junior engineers. This role combines innova...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Commercial Aerospace
$122K - $215K *
Transform product engineering by leading a team to innovate and enhance designs, ensuring manufacturability and competitiveness while managing resources and timelines effectively. Drive collaboration...
1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation Systems
$110K - $130K *
Tackle complex mechanical challenges by designing and building advanced power-generation subsystems. Collaborate on system integration and rapid prototyping in a fast-paced environment, ensuring desig...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Rotary Actuators)
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of rotary actuator design and mechanisms for space solar power systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust performance, reliability, and innovative solutions throu...
3 weeks ago
Naval Architect (Hull, Hydrodynamics, Weights, Stability)
$90K - $130K *
Contribute to naval architecture projects by providing expert technical support in hull design, hydrodynamics, stability assessments, and training junior engineers for successful shipbuilding outcomes...
3 weeks ago
$220K - $250K *
Lead the design and development of advanced military electrical systems. Collaborate across teams to create innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards while driving high-impact...
2 weeks ago
Principal or Sr. Principal Aeronautical Engineer- Air Vehicle Configuration Design and Integration
$114K - $213K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of air vehicle design through innovative engineering and integration. Collaborate across disciplines to develop advanced concepts and optimize performance in a dy...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $175K *
Empower innovative facility projects by leading mechanical design efforts, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and delivering cutting-edge solutions in a highly collaborative environment. M...
Reposted 4 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.