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.
Propulsion Test Engineer (Raptor Components)
$100K - $160K *
Join us to lead hands-on testing of Raptor engine components, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions. Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to develop test plans, execute campaigns, and drive i...
3 days ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)
$165K - $245K *
Lead the design and development of advanced combustion devices, optimizing performance and reliability for next-gen propulsion systems. Collaborate with teams to innovate and enhance manufacturing pro...
2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)
$165K - $245K *
Innovate cutting-edge combustion device designs for advanced propulsion systems. Lead full lifecycle development, leveraging expertise in regenerative cooling, combustion stability, and additive manuf...
2 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer I - Hardware and Bus Systems
$109K - $139K *
Transform propulsion systems by owning hardware and subsystem design, analysis, and testing for spacecraft. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance vehicle performance and reliability, contributing t...
2 days ago
$77K - $129K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions in propulsion systems design, integration, and anomaly resolution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety and performance for...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$77K - $129K *
Join a team that drives innovation in propulsion systems design and integration. You'll solve complex engineering challenges, enhance performance, and ensure safety standards are met while collaborati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer (Rocket Motor Soft Goods)
$120K - $145K *
Advance the future of rocket propulsion by designing innovative soft goods systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal performance and reliability in high-temperature environme...
Yesterday
Senior Propulsion Engineer (Rocket Motor Soft Goods)
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation in rocket motor soft goods design, ensuring performance and reliability for hypersonic vehicles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze, build, and validate components in...
Yesterday
LV Propulsion Project Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in redefining National Security Space Launch by providing senior engineering expertise in launch vehicle propulsion systems, collaborating with diverse teams, and ensuring mission succ...
Today
Propulsion Lab Engineer, Amazon Leo GNC & Propulsion
$82K - $144K *
Unlock your potential as a key member of our Propulsion Manufacturing team, driving the development and optimization of electric propulsion systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to enhan...
1 week ago
$90K - $147K *
Develop innovative propulsion systems through analytical modeling, design, and testing. Collaborate across the engineering lifecycle to enhance fluidic technologies and validate prototypes, ensuring o...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead solid rocket motor propulsion development, driving ballistic modeling, design, and testing for advanced aerospace programs. Collaborate across teams to deliver reliable propulsion solutions that...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $173K *
Join a dynamic team to develop advanced propulsion systems for future launch vehicles, conducting analyses, designing components, and delivering innovative solutions in the aerospace industry...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$104K - $173K *
Shape the future of launch vehicles by analyzing and optimizing propulsion systems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative designs, and presenting findings that drive advance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Propulsion Controls Software Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation in automotive embedded controls by leveraging your expertise in software development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance ECU performance and integration in a fast-pa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Propulsion Engineer, Blue Thrusters
$169K - $237K *
Transform the future of propulsion systems by designing and analyzing thruster combustion devices. Collaborate with engineers and test teams to ensure performance and reliability, while mentoring juni...
1 week ago
Principal Propulsion Engineer, Blue Thrusters
$169K - $237K *
Elevate propulsion technology by designing and analyzing thruster combustion devices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance and reliability, while mentoring engineers and drivi...
1 week ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Hall-Effect Thrusters
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design and development of innovative Hall-effect thrusters, driving technologies from concept to flight. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance, manufacturability, an...
3 weeks ago
$52K - $114K *
Join us in advancing defense technology as a Propulsion Test Technician, where you'll support the development and testing of cutting-edge propulsion systems, ensuring operational readiness and safety...
2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Structures
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of the mechanical design of propulsion modules, ensuring seamless integration and performance at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams as you lead the development of innovative...
3 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Development Engineer, Test Stand
$165K - $235K *
Shape the future of propulsion systems by leading the design and build of hypergolic test facilities. Your expertise will ensure safety and compliance while creating innovative solutions that drive ou...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Staff Propulsion Engineer - 6
$166K - $249K *
Lead the charge in advancing aerospace innovation as a Senior Staff Propulsion Engineer, driving material initiatives and managing compliance in a collaborative environment. Your expertise will shape...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Staff Propulsion Engineer - 6
$166K - $249K *
Join a team that's redefining propulsion engineering, leading material initiatives, and driving compliance in a collaborative environment. Your expertise will shape critical missions and mentor the ne...
Reposted 1 week ago
Journeyman Marine Propulsion Engineer
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing marine propulsion systems through innovative engineering solutions. Provide lifecycle support for U.S. Coast Guard vessels, ensuring operational effectiveness...
Today
Electrical Propulsion and Power Systems Engineer
$92K - $174K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the design and testing of advanced electric propulsion systems for undersea vehicles, ensuring innovative solutions for military applications while collaborating with multi...
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.