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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$133K - $186K *

Advance your career by leading the design and integration of propulsion systems for spacecraft. Drive innovation through analysis and trade studies, ensuring mission success while collaborating with c...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $188K *

Partner with us to design and develop mechanical components for wind turbines, overseeing the entire product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and innovation in mech...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$115K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining propulsion technology by analyzing and improving engine components. Collaborate with designers to accelerate the development of high-performance turbine engines, shaping...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $152K *

Join a team that's redefining aerospace engineering by developing cutting-edge aerodynamics and flight mechanics for next-gen reentry vehicles. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance vehicle perfor...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $137K *

Develop spacecraft GNC systems, leading design, integration, and testing efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success while managing schedules and technical status for in...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Electrical Engineering team, driving project execution, ensuring compliance, and fostering innovation to achieve operational excellence and safety in electrica...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $120K *

Manage and oversee maintenance, inspections, and modifications on experimental aircraft while ensuring compliance and safety. Collaborate closely with engineers and pilots to support innovative aerosp...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K - $155K *

Lead the charge in flight test engineering for unmanned air vehicles, overseeing test planning, execution, and coordination. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful developmental ground and flight...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Engineer I&C systems by planning, conducting, and coordinating projects that require broad knowledge and innovative approaches to ensure safe and reliable plant operations while navigating complex cha...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Optimize automotive interior systems by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards and production timelines are met, while leveraging engineering expertise to innovate cutti...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of lunar exploration by leading GNC algorithm modernization and innovation. Drive high-fidelity simulations, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to ensure mission success a...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in managing a team of engineers to deliver high-quality power system solutions, ensuring timely project completion while enhancing client satisfaction and driving business development...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$114K - $139K *

Advance structural integrity by conducting designs and analytical evaluations of flight systems. Collaborate across disciplines to support spacecraft and robotic projects, ensuring robust mechanical p...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $175K *

Join a team that's advancing electric propulsion technologies. You'll conduct innovative research, support anomaly investigations, and enhance experimental capabilities, while collaborating closely wi...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Manage complex engineering tasks to support lifecycle of AWACS systems. Collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring robust system performance aligned with DoD acquisition processes. Contribute to moderni...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in mechanical systems design, integrating innovative hardware from concept to flight. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure performance and safety for cutting-edge aircraft technolo...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$187K - $270K *

Transform your career by leading the design and implementation of advanced web handling systems. As a technical authority, you'll drive innovation, mentor engineers, and shape the future of high-preci...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $203K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing subsea corrosion mitigation strategies. Leverage your expertise in materials science to solve complex engineering challenges, collaborate with cross-functiona...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a collaborative team to innovate and enhance avionics systems, driving the development of cutting-edge hypersonic flight technology through design, analysis, and integration in a fast-paced aeros...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Engage in product leadership as an axle engineer, driving design innovation and quality enhancements. Collaborate with global teams to ensure manufacturability, support customer needs, and mentor juni...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Oversee engineering activities and deliverables to ensure project compliance, facilitating multifaceted coordination and communication between teams, clients, and subcontractors to achieve project tar...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop innovative test fixtures for thermal control and energy conversion products, ensuring efficient transition from prototype to production wh...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead and develop the MEP Engineering Team, integrating engineering with manufacturing and quality to ensure timely, high-quality project execution. Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative fan systems by leveraging design expertise and analysis tools. Contribute to product development through collaboration, problem-solving, and technical guidance while enhancing the...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform project execution by leading technical efforts, ensuring alignment with schedule and budget. Collaborate across teams to drive product development from inception to delivery, while managing...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 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.