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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$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

$198K - $273K *

Innovate your career by leading multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence and strategic execution across major programs. Drive solutions, mentor teams, and uphold company v...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to civil engineering excellence while designing renovations for critical facilities. Lead projects from concept through design, ensuring compliance with codes and enhancin...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$132K - $220K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior Propulsion Engineer, driving the design, testing, and operational readiness of advanced rocket engines. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliabilit...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Mechanical Engineer, where you'll leverage your expertise to drive ship design projects, enhancing performance and compliance throughout the development and construction phase...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $150K *

Unlock potential by contributing mechanical engineering expertise to ship design management, supporting technical efforts from concept to installation while ensuring compliance and performance optimiz...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $170K *

Engineer cutting-edge control systems for energy projects. Lead design and mentoring efforts while engaging with customers and driving project success. Utilize your expertise to ensure technical excel...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$103K - $129K *

Lead engineering initiatives to enhance component design and analysis for nuclear operations. Collaborate on upgrades, repairs, and compliance, ensuring safety and efficiency while addressing complex...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $222K *

Elevate your career with a lead-level engineering role, overseeing multidiscipline projects in Mechanical Engineering. Drive project performance, mentor junior engineers, and ensure safety, budget, an...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead the development and launch of a new gas strut product line, optimizing manufacturing processes and collaborating across teams to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Drive technical exper...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$159K - $214K *

Advance your career by leading complex control systems projects, providing technical expertise in instrumentation and automation for diverse industries. Drive innovation and enhance client satisfactio...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $170K *

Empower your career by leading electrical utility relocation projects in a dynamic airport environment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance aviation infrastructure and ensure seamless...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $320K *

Join us to lead the structural design of a modular airframe system, driving innovation from concept to production. Your expertise will shape scalable, low-cost aircraft solutions, ensuring integration...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of space nuclear power systems by owning the electrical architecture and verification strategy. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration and performance of comple...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Champion turbine component design and analysis, leading cross-functional teams to innovate cooling solutions and enhance simulation capabilities through AI integration. Drive continuous improvement an...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $203K *

Transform propulsion systems for spacecraft by leading design, analysis, and integration efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success through innovative solutions and rig...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

2 weeks 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

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.