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.
$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
$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
$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
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (HYDROPOWER)
$80K - $95K *
Champion innovative engineering solutions in hydropower. Conduct feasibility studies, provide technical expertise during breakdowns, and ensure compliance with design requirements while collaborating...
2 days ago
$80K - $155K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by designing innovative fluid and power systems. As a Process Engineer, you'll drive the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in a f...
6 days ago
Senior Principal Engineer Mechanical
$129K - $193K *
Shape the future of space exploration by designing innovative mechanical ground support equipment. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop solutions for spacecraft integration, testing, and launch...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join us to design and validate cutting-edge avionics for spacecraft. Take ownership of electronic subsystems, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments through innovation, testing, and b...
4 weeks ago
GNC Engineer - Actuation Systems
$95K - $115K *
Transform vehicle commands into precise motion by designing and implementing control algorithms for actuation systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure high-performance integration and testing...
Yesterday
$89K - $113K *
Inspire the future of hydrogen infrastructure by supporting design, testing, and deployment of innovative fueling systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance safety and efficiency in...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance the design and qualification of solid rocket motors for hypersonic defense systems. Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to optimize propellant formulations and grain d...
Yesterday
Lead Vehicle Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Champion low-voltage vehicle system integration to enhance electrical architecture, driving innovation through collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on troubleshooting to deliver optimiz...
4 weeks ago
Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL)
$68K - $102K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovative mechanical design solutions, collaborating with R&D engineers to create 3D models and 2D drawings, while ensuring compliance and effective project management...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Production Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Optimize manufacturing processes by leveraging Lean and Six Sigma tools. Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to enhance product performance, support new introductions, and drive continuous...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Innovate cutting-edge avionics for next-gen spacesuits, supporting lunar missions. Collaborate across teams in a dynamic environment, managing design, testing, and implementation. Drive advancements i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$62K - $140K *
Grow your career with diverse technical challenges as you collaborate with senior engineers to define, analyze, and document system requirements for multi-domain national security programs, leveraging...
3 weeks ago
$62K - $140K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of national security through innovative systems engineering. Collaborate with experienced engineers to define and document requirements, while applying foundation...
3 weeks ago
$62K - $140K *
Collaborate with engineers to define and document system requirements while gaining hands-on experience in model-based engineering and technical design to support multi-domain national security progra...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $131K *
Transform engineering projects by leading design teams, managing deliverables, and ensuring quality standards. Collaborate across disciplines to drive project success while maintaining effective commu...
2 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer (Technical Lead)
$130K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative digital designs and architectures. Oversee a design team through all phases of hardware delivery, ensuring technical excellence and collaboration across discip...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage in innovative mechanical design and development, driving solutions for complex engineering challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance criteria are met while foste...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Pioneer innovative mechanical solutions by designing and analyzing advanced systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet performance criteria and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Engage in critical engineering projects supporting the US Navy's missile systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance existing infrastructure, ensuring mission readiness and operational excelle...
1 week ago
$64K - $95K *
Pioneer the mechanical design of aircraft engine nacelle components. Collaborate with manufacturers and vendors to define system architecture, generate technical data packages, and ensure compliance w...
1 week ago
$64K - $95K *
Drive the mechanical design of aircraft engine nacelle components, collaborating with manufacturers and vendors to ensure compliance with technical requirements while generating detailed technical dat...
1 week ago
Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer
$104K - $173K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to conduct structural analysis on advanced spacecraft, ensuring design integrity through rigorous testing and collaboration on complex engineering challenges...
3 weeks 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.