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.
$100K - $122K *
Drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing workflows and capacity planning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product flow and implement lean methodologies, ensuring eff...
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Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
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Join a team that's shaping the future of clean energy through innovative structural engineering. Collaborate on diverse projects, apply your expertise, and guide junior engineers while enjoying a hybr...
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Principal System Safety & Reliability Engineer
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Advance your career by ensuring system designs meet quality standards and best practices. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering and project management to drive innovative solutions that enhan...
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Lead Mechanical System Design and Analysis Engineer
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Lead cutting-edge mechanical system design and analysis, enhancing mobility and surveillance capabilities. Leverage your expertise to drive projects from concept to execution while mentoring junior en...
Reposted 4 days ago
Principal Engineer, I&C Design
$148K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance I&C design processes for advanced nuclear technologies. Lead initiatives in system integration, technical oversight, and change control to ensure efficient, high-quality...
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Principal Software Engineer, Mission Design
$266K - $298K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software solutions by designing and guiding innovative projects that meet customer needs, ensuring high engineering standards and strategic alignment across th...
Today
Civil Engineering Design Specialist
$90K - $125K *
Join a dedicated team as a Civil Engineering Design Specialist, leveraging your expertise to shape innovative transport projects by coordinating design efforts, ensuring quality, and collaborating acr...
Reposted today
Operational Performance Engineer, Mass Properties & Vehicle Performance
$115K - $150K *
Manage vehicle mass properties and performance tracking across programs. Ensure compliance with mass requirements, analyze design impacts, and maintain performance baselines. Collaborate with cross-fu...
2 weeks ago
Principal Turbo Hydrodynamicist
$170K - $250K *
Lead the charge in hydrodynamic design for rocket engine turbopumps, ensuring optimal performance from concept through testing. Collaborate across teams to drive efficiency and reliability in high-per...
Today
Safety Performance Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by developing innovative integration solutions for vehicle requirements. Collaborate with leaders and peers to enhance design processes, ensuring high-quality project completion...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead innovative power systems engineering initiatives, focusing on protection design and coordination analyses for transmission systems. Ensure compliance and reliability while guiding clients in enha...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the engineering team in aerospace manufacturing, driving technical solutions, and fostering talent development in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvem...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the evolution of advanced vehicle engineering by transforming innovative concepts into functional electric vehicles through cross-functional collaboration and customer-focused design...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate by leading advanced vehicle engineering projects that transform concepts into functional vehicles. Collaborate across teams to enhance product designs, incorporating customer feedback and the...
4 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer (Hydropower)
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in hydropower mechanical engineering, providing expert design and advisory services for powerhouse and pumping station systems, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enha...
Yesterday
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
$62K - $237K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative mechanical solutions for rugged environments, overseeing the full design cycle from concept to delivery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle com...
1 week ago
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
$62K - $237K *
Invent innovative mechanical solutions to complex challenges, guiding projects from concept to delivery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and prototype state-of-the-art systems for a...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $135K *
Transform satellite missions by designing and implementing advanced GNC systems. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize performance and ensure mission success while leading innovative pr...
1 week ago
Manager, Electrical Engineering
$160K - $166K *
Unlock potential by leading Electrical Engineering teams to deliver innovative aircraft interior solutions. Oversee design, certification, and integration processes while ensuring quality, budget, and...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Electrical Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of aircraft interiors by leading a dynamic Electrical Engineering team. Drive innovative design solutions, ensure quality and compliance, and foster talent development while managing...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Protection Systems
$130K - $180K *
Transform your career by owning TPS components from concept to delivery, collaborating across teams to innovate designs and ensuring rigorous testing for advanced aerospace applications. Join a missio...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $128K *
Redefine mechanical product development in an agile environment, creating and validating ultrasound transducers while leading cross-functional collaboration on quality-driven projects...
3 weeks ago
Principal Power Systems Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining power systems for portable nuclear microreactors. Lead the design and validation of electrical power systems, collaborating across engineering teams to ensure optimal per...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in civil engineering as a senior authority, guiding depot management and ensuring compliance with design criteria, contractual obligations, and project execution for facility construct...
Yesterday
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Ramjet Integration)
$166K - $220K *
Lead the design and integration of advanced propulsion systems for air vehicles, overseeing the full development cycle from concept to flight test to ensure optimal performance in challenging environm...
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.