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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in executing complex utility-scale power generation projects, serving as a key technical interface across disciplines and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge mechanical systems for advanced satellites, driving innovation from concept to production while ensuring compliance and performance in high-stake...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $163K *

Develop innovative power supply solutions for military applications, collaborating with a dynamic team to design, analyze, and optimize power electronics hardware, ensuring reliability and performance...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Lead the design and integration of spacecraft power systems, ensuring robust performance from solar arrays to propulsion loads. Own the architecture and budget, driving innovation in high-voltage and...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the development and evaluation of safety-critical flight software, integrating GN&C algorithms while utilizing MATLAB, Python, and C/C++. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance flight softwar...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$181K - $249K *

Lead the transition of RAPCON-X prototype programs into operational success. Provide engineering leadership, integration coordination, and risk management while enhancing next-gen ISR capabilities for...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Optimize spacecraft structures by leading design efforts, generating detailed drawings, and collaborating with a skilled team to enhance engineering processes and support innovative projects in aerosp...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining critical systems for the Ship Signatures SECRET Network. You'll manage Windows and Linux servers, ensure security compliance, and provide user support in a...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $193K *

Join a team that's redefining space exploration by driving On-Orbit Test activities, collaborating with experts, and leading critical operations to ensure mission success while shaping innovative engi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $110K *

Innovate in a senior role addressing complex environmental remediation projects, overseeing staff, managing client expectations, and ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of project management...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$152K - $220K *

Contribute to the development of gimbal mechanisms for laser communications payloads, encompassing design, analysis, procurement, and qualification processes. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on enhancing welding processes across complex reactor systems, ensuring high quality and compliance at every stage from design to production. Be part of pi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.