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.
$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
$68K - $115K *
Join a team that leads custom-engineered projects, ensuring technical coordination and customer communication from contract through delivery. Balance engineering judgment with strong client relationsh...
Reposted 6 days ago
$68K - $115K *
Manage custom-engineered projects from award to delivery, ensuring compliance with specifications and coordination among teams. Leverage engineering judgment and customer skills to meet project scope...
Reposted 6 days ago
Marine Systems Engineer (Mid-Level)
$88K - $105K *
Advance your career by solving complex engineering challenges for Navy systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance shipboard performance and ensure operational excellence in one of the most ad...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of passenger rail by leading mechanical systems integration and validation. Collaborate with suppliers and clients to ensure compliance and deliver manufacturable designs for refurbis...
2 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer, Control Actuation Systems
$107K - $204K *
Advance your career by providing mechanical engineering support for control actuation systems. Collaborate with teams to design, test, and verify aerospace applications while managing projects and inf...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative maritime countermeasure systems, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to design, develop, and test mechanical components. Contribute throughout the product lifecycle, ensuri...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $175K *
Transform mission-critical electronic systems by leading design and troubleshooting efforts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate solutions for defense applications, ensuring reliabili...
3 days ago
Senior Electrical Power System Engineer
$98K - $160K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming electrical systems while leading technical projects and mentoring engineers. Leverage your expertise in a collaborative global environment to ensure qualit...
Reposted 1 week ago
Process Engineer, TRISO Fuels Facility
$110K - $130K *
Help us advance innovative process solutions for TRISO fuel manufacturing. This role involves designing, integrating, and commissioning essential chemical systems within a collaborative engineering en...
1 month ago
$114K - $135K *
Deliver comprehensive project management for F/A-18 and EA-18G initiatives, ensuring coordination among cross-functional teams and effective communication with stakeholders to meet technical and perfo...
Reposted 5 days ago
$65K - $101K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing mechanical engineering solutions for networking systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and support ruggedized systems, ensuring...
Today
Safety Performance Integration Engineer - Structure Performance (GPSSC)
$95K - $115K *
Champion the development of vehicle crash safety systems, ensuring compliance with global safety standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize structural designs and enhance vehicle p...
Yesterday
Environmental, Safety & Health Compliance Engineer, Advanced
$86K - $134K *
Join a team that's committed to ensuring environmental safety and compliance. As an ES&H Compliance Engineer, you'll support environmental programs, collaborate across departments, and drive continuou...
4 weeks ago
Spacecraft Power Electronics Engineer
$105K - $145K *
Develop cutting-edge spacecraft Electrical Power Systems (EPS) through innovative design, testing, and integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance, while...
1 month ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the design and development of innovative maritime countermeasure systems, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance naval vessel protection through advanced mechanical engineering s...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform auxiliary systems for gas turbines by designing, analyzing, and supporting lifecycle operations. Collaborate on advanced modes including hydrogen blending and emissions control while ensurin...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Bring your expertise to our engineering team, designing innovative mechanical systems for modular plants. Engage in project development, technical support, and collaboration with multidisciplinary tea...
4 weeks ago
SWS (Strategic Weapons Systems) Test Engineer - QP
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by leading Strategic Weapon System Testing for cutting-edge submarine projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and efficiency while managing complex test...
Yesterday
SWS (Strategic Weapons Systems) Test Engineer - QP
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to executing strategic weapon system tests for advanced submarine technology. Ensure safety and efficiency while leading test procedures and data collection, collaborating...
2 days ago
$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
$104K - $149K *
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...
3 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 3 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
$95K - $178K *
Join the mission to enhance inventory management of classified Nuclear Weapons Related Materiel for the US Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile Program, ensuring compliance and accuracy while collaborating...
Today
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.