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.
$95K - $115K *
Design and analyze advanced aerodynamic systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance aircraft performance through innovative research and testing, ensurin...
Yesterday
Mechanical Test Engineer, Principal
$117K - $196K *
Lead the charge in advancing centrifuge dynamic test stands, overseeing design, testing, and modernization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance national security-focused enrichm...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Pioneer efficiency in manufacturing by translating designs into high-quality, manufacturable products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production processes, develop documentation an...
4 weeks ago
Spacecraft Propulsion & Thrusters Business Segment Director
$175K - $230K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic business segment focused on spacecraft propulsion. Drive strategic direction, enhance P&L management, and cultivate partnerships while inspiring cross-function...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Spacecraft Propulsion & Thrusters Business Segment Director
$175K - $230K *
Lead the Spacecraft Propulsion & Thrusters Business Segment, driving sales growth, strategic planning, and P&L management while fostering cross-functional collaboration and maintaining exceptional cus...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Aeronautical Structural Engineer
$120K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Aeronautical Structural Engineer, driving the design, modification, and certification of specialized aircraft. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compli...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $145K *
Lead engineering initiatives, guiding a team to achieve project success while fostering professional development, risk management, and effective communication with stakeholders. Drive quality and proc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer 2 - Mission Critical
$69K - $99K *
Join a team that's redefining mechanical engineering through innovative design and analysis. Contribute to multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring quality and compliance while advancing your career in a...
6 days ago
$95K - $145K *
Lead the charge in project execution by managing a team of engineers to ensure success within fixed cost and schedule constraints while fostering their professional development and driving continuous...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$112K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts across the lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission-critical defense systems. Drive innovation and technical exc...
1 week ago
$103K - $181K *
Bring your expertise to a dynamic team supporting on-orbit and launch operations. Collaborate on system engineering tasks, manage agile processes, and develop risk mitigation strategies while ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer (Payload Module Jettison Systems)
$109K - $148K *
Own the payload fairing jettison system from analysis to flight. Leverage your mechanical engineering expertise to design, test, and integrate critical hardware for reusable launch vehicles, ensuring...
1 week ago
$134K - $241K *
Champion cross-functional coordination and operational excellence by leading engineering integration efforts for key defense programs, ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders and timely exe...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion innovative mechanical solutions for secure infrastructure, transforming customer needs into practical designs. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop prototypes and manage proje...
6 days ago
Senior Solid Propulsion Development Engineer - Hypersonics
$107K - $195K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge solid propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles. Collaborate with diverse teams to design, test, and optimize critical hardware, ensuring performance and co...
1 week ago
Facilities Engineer – Civil / Structural Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Innovate solutions for critical infrastructure as a civil/structural engineer, managing project scope, budgets, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the shipyard's capabi...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by leading complex projects in advanced nuclear technology. Drive cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance while contributing to innovative reactor development...
2 weeks ago
$240K - $280K *
Lead the charge in defining and developing GNC architecture for autonomous aircraft. Drive technical decisions, mentor teams, and ensure robust performance from design through flight test, tackling co...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Robotics (CONVOY)
$90K - $226K *
Drive innovation as a Mechanical & Robotics Engineer developing cutting-edge assistive technologies. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design robotic systems, ensuring functionality and saf...
4 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Robotics (CONVOY)
$90K - $226K *
Drive the design and integration of advanced robotic arm hardware, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance usability and safety, while ensuring project goals are met from concept to production. In...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join us to provide mechanical engineering expertise for hypersonic weapons systems, ensuring operational readiness and lifecycle sustainment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain techni...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the lifecycle sustainment of hypersonic weapons systems, ensuring operational readiness and technical integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering solutions with fl...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative mechanical systems for maritime countermeasures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, test, and optimize solutions that enhance naval vessel protection against threat...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage engineering support for specialized munitions projects, focusing on tactical and strategic planning, project management, and CAD support. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative maritime mechanical systems. Contribute from design to production while ensuring top-notch performance in challenging environments, pro...
3 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.