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.
$104K - $194K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of engineering and program management, ensuring technical issues are resolved and resources are effectively allocated. Collaborate with leaders to maintain prog...
1 week ago
Senior Embedded Network Design Engineer
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Join a team that's redefining locomotive communication networks. As a Senior Embedded Network Design Engineer, you'll lead the architecture and validation of robust systems, collaborating across funct...
2 days ago
$120K - $166K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a diverse team, managing project execution, and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective planning and collaboration. Mentor junior engineers while overs...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Join a team that's redefining power systems for space missions. Lead the design, integration, and testing of critical electrical power subsystems, ensuring reliability and performance in challenging o...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer innovative GN&C solutions for lunar missions, providing technical leadership and driving system performance from design to flight operations, while collaborating across multidisciplinary team...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of spacecraft GN&C system performance from design to flight operations, driving architecture, algorithm development, and team collaboration to ensure mission success in advanced lunar o...
3 weeks ago
$129K - $171K *
Lead the design and integration of advanced electrical systems for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, collaborating across disciplines to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards...
1 week ago
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Drive multidisciplinary design coordination and governance for Facilities in the High-Speed Rail programme, ensuring alignment with operational, regulatory, and performance targets while leading a tea...
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$113K - $156K *
Lead the design and development of advanced mechanical systems in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and manage multiple projects to deliver innov...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by overseeing maintenance operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and managing engineering projects to enhance guest experiences and protect assets in a dynamic hote...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Thermal Hydraulic Test
$124K - $161K *
Elevate your career by leading thermal hydraulic testing initiatives, designing experiments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support innovative energy solutions. Drive impactful anal...
6 days ago
Mechanical Integration Lead Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in mechanical integration for innovative rail projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop systems, ensure compliance, and supervise design teams in a dynamic environme...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$72K - $108K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating materials for wind turbine blades. As a materials engineer, you'll ensure structural integrity and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product...
1 week ago
$72K - $108K *
Elevate innovation in wind turbine blade materials by leading qualification and characterization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance structural integrity and drive material sol...
1 week ago
Team Lead - Propulsion Manufacturing
$145K - $190K *
Lead a dynamic team of experts in propulsion manufacturing to drive innovation, ensure quality standards, and oversee day-to-day operations, fostering a culture of safety and effectiveness while meeti...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $100K *
Lead a dedicated team to enhance daily operations at a luxury residential property, ensuring exceptional service quality and resident satisfaction while managing maintenance, budgets, and emergency re...
1 week ago
Staff Mission Operations Engineer
$175K - $225K *
Transform mission operations by leading the development and execution of GEO Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, ensuring seamless integration between engineering and flight teams while driving proce...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate fusion research by operating advanced pulsed-fusion systems. Contribute to groundbreaking experiments and enhance machine reliability while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in a dyna...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Shape the future of maritime technology by designing and managing sophisticated systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability while mentoring junior engineers and driving in...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Technologist
$110K - $130K *
Join us to leverage your technical expertise in materials testing and analysis. You'll execute complex workflows, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with engineers to enhance processes and ensure hi...
2 weeks ago
Principal Solid Propulsion Development Engineer - Hypersonics
$131K - $237K *
Shape the future of hypersonic propulsion systems by leading design, development, and testing efforts. Collaborate with diverse teams to innovate critical technologies for aerospace applications, ensu...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Drive innovation in materials and processes engineering to support strategic defense initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge technologies, troubleshoot challenges...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading maintenance and reliability initiatives for sugar manufacturing equipment. Drive improvements through technical expertise, ensuring compliance and optimizing performance in...
4 weeks ago
Senior Materials Engineer, Electrical Performance
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in dielectric materials for high-voltage components, enhancing performance in nuclear fusion environments. Collaborate across teams and lead R&D projects to ensure cutting-edge soluti...
1 week ago
$88K - $154K *
Explore a pivotal role in advancing nuclear engineering through research and collaboration. Lead innovative projects, enhance safety protocols, and drive improvements in fuel cycle technology while ma...
1 month 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.