Propulsion Engineer Jobs

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.

What Propulsion Engineers Do

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.

Common Skills and Qualifications

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.

Industries and Career Paths

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.

Find Propulsion Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of building systems by leading HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection design projects. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring quality and compl...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$97K - $114K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space power systems. As a Power Electronics Engineer, you'll design, test, and validate cutting-edge hardware, collaborating with experts to ensure high-reliab...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $180K *

Advance thermal engineering for nuclear power plants by leading component evaluations and optimizing plant processes. Collaborate with clients and mentor peers while enhancing safety and efficiency in...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and testing advanced thermal control systems for spacecraft, including lunar landers and surface power applications, ensuring high-performance operations and successful mi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative consumer product designs, leveraging your expertise in Mechanical Engineering to lead projects from vision to mass production while enhancing product quality and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$86K - $118K *

Innovate mechanical designs for aerospace and defense systems, ensuring compliance with performance standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions in a fast-paced...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Champion engineering excellence by guiding payload and countermeasure development. As a trusted advisor, you'll evaluate designs, oversee milestones, and ensure cross-organization collaboration for ti...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of space vehicle systems engineering, defining spacecraft architecture and ensuring successful integration and verification across complex classified satellite prog...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Transform the engineering landscape by leading innovative mechanical solutions for high-pressure natural gas transmission projects while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure safe and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$78K - $130K *

Drive innovation by transforming engineering concepts into precise mechanical designs. Collaborate with senior engineers to develop next-gen centrifuge components, ensuring accuracy and manufacturabil...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$108K - $163K *

Drive innovation in electromechanical systems by collaborating across disciplines to enhance national defense technologies. Embrace change and empower teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions while ens...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive the design, development, and testing of structural components for a pioneering commercial space station, ensuring high standards in engineering practices and teamwork while mentoring junior engi...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of thermal engineering for advanced military and commercial applications. Drive innovative solutions from concept to production, utilizing cutting-edge technologi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring data quality and regulatory compliance in laboratory operations. Collaborate across departments to support submarine construction through effective chemistry a...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$79K - $118K *

Shape the future of space exploration by joining our team as a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, guiding spacecraft from concept to launch, and ensure mission succe...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $179K *

Lead the future of Naval Aviation by providing expert systems engineering support. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage air vehicle projects, ensuring airworthiness and technical excellence in a d...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Empower NASA programs by analyzing space environments, developing models, and ensuring spacecraft compatibility. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess risks and support systems engineerin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of automotive systems by designing cutting-edge chassis technologies. Lead system development from concept to validation, ensuring seamless integration and safety compliance while men...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $166K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Civil Structural Licensing Engineer, where you'll support reactor facility licensing applications and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $166K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Civil Structural Licensing Engineer, driving the development of reactor facility licensing applications. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure compliance with regu...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $166K *

Transform regulatory compliance by leading civil structural licensing efforts, ensuring alignment with safety and design standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute licen...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$94K - $148K *

Lead engineering efforts to enhance in-flight experiences, overseeing design, development, and certification of complex systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure project success and compliance while m...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovative hardware designs for fusion generator prototypes, tackling multidisciplinary engineering challenges while maximizing performance and manufacturing efficiency in a collaborative, hands...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of aerospace by designing advanced thrust vector control systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate and validate high-performance actuation mechanisms for hyper...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$162K - $205K *

Innovate the future of power systems by owning the electrical architecture for cutting-edge gas turbine technology. Collaborate across disciplines to design, validate, and integrate robust electrical...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a propulsion engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.