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.
$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
Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer
$104K - $173K *
Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $210K *
Unlock your potential in satellite design by collaborating closely with teams to create robust mechanical structures. Experience hands-on involvement in every phase, from CAD modeling to testing fligh...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Manage maintenance program optimization for A/C fleet, ensuring safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness through performance monitoring and cross-functional collaboration...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with an opportunity to lead cross-functional teams, driving engineering excellence for advanced defense programs. Oversee project lifecycle phases, ensuring technical quality, budget...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer, Powertrain
$170K - $200K *
Empower innovation in powertrain systems by leading design and development efforts. Collaborate with teams to tackle complex challenges, set standards, and ensure high-quality output in both Electric...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join us to design and build intuitive product interfaces, bridging design and code. You'll create seamless user experiences using Figma and React, ensuring high-quality delivery from concept to produc...
Today
Navigation Systems Engineer, Senior
$130K - $150K *
Shape the future of unmanned aircraft navigation systems by leading a skilled team in developing and integrating advanced navigation technologies, ensuring operational excellence and compliance throug...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing production efficiency through innovative repair solutions and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring high-quality standards and operational excellence i...
2 weeks ago
Senior Structures & Composites Engineer (Rocket Motor Cases)
$110K - $130K *
Elevate aerospace innovation by designing high-performance rocket motor cases. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create lightweight, robust structures that endure extreme conditions, ensurin...
Yesterday
Senior Structures & Composites Engineer (Rocket Motor Cases)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the design and development of advanced rocket motor cases, ensuring high-performance structures that withstand extreme conditions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate and optimiz...
Yesterday
$120K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to engineering innovation, overseeing complex projects in the design and development of custom equipment for handling hazardous materials, while ensuring quality and compl...
Reposted yesterday
$104K - $173K *
Engineer innovative thermal solutions for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with a passionate team analyzing Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicles, ensuring designs meet operational thermal requirem...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$104K - $173K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovative thermal engineering solutions for advanced launch systems, ensuring performance during critical phases. Your expertise will significantly influence the design a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
System Engineer - Flight Software
$117K - $195K *
Drive advanced systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on Flight Software integration, verification, and validation. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and support on...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Mechanical Engineering
$191K - $225K *
Advance your career by leading mechanical design for innovative autonomous platforms. Drive technical excellence and team performance from concept to production, ensuring compliance and operational su...
1 week ago
Reliability, Maintainability, and Safety Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Deliver comprehensive reliability and safety assessments for advanced space systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with safety standards while enhancing system reliabili...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$166K - $220K *
Drive mechanical design for maritime autonomous vehicle payloads, ensuring integration of third-party systems. Collaborate across teams to optimize designs, manage constraints, and support prototype b...
2 days ago
Production Engineering Manager 2
$139K - $209K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of production engineering by guiding a skilled team through design and build stages, ensuring cross-organizational collaboration, and driving innovative improveme...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $150K *
Transform the future of defense technology by leading aerodynamic design and analysis for next-gen autonomous platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance vehicle performance and eff...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by driving innovations in mechanical design for fusion technologies. Collaborate with engineers to develop advanced systems, perform critical analysis, and ensure the success of groun...
Reposted 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.