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.
$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
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as you contribute to designing cutting-edge maritime countermeasure systems. This role empowers you to engage in all lifecycle phases, applying mechanical principles in a collabora...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as you provide systems engineering expertise for international THAAD initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and technical support for critical defense operations while coll...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $103K *
Join a team that drives innovative mechanical engineering solutions across diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to execute design, analysis, and validation to exceed customer e...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Engineer Electromechanical
$169K - $253K *
Join a team that's transforming electromechanical systems through innovative design and analysis. Collaborate with diverse engineers to support full life-cycle programs, ensuring cutting-edge solution...
6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive your career with a dynamic role in systems engineering, focusing on complex aerospace systems. Collaborate on architecture, safety analysis, and compliance while leading projects and optimizing...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $120K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Mid-Level Systems Engineer, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance system performance for NASA's mission operations. Engage in critical phases of human spaceflig...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$96K - $115K *
Shape the future of aerospace technology by designing innovative mechanical systems for cutting-edge satellite and spacecraft applications. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-performance, reliabl...
1 week ago
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic engineering team to design and test innovative spacecraft systems, collaborating across disciplines to develop cutting-edge hardware and mechanisms that push the boundaries of space exp...
2 weeks ago
$96K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering support for the AUKUS program, managing integration plans for submarine combat systems, and collaborating across international defense efforts to enhance mili...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in managing the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense engineering process, collaborating with senior officials and the engineering community to ensure successful design, funding, and product...
1 week 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.