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.
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
Mechanical Design Engineering Supervisor
$110K - $130K *
Play a key role in leading a team of engineers to design and develop mechanical systems for aerospace applications. Oversee project management, ensure compliance with specifications, and enhance team...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Unlock innovative solutions in structural dynamics by conducting finite element modelling and analysis for Navy systems. Collaborate closely with a dynamic team to enhance vessel acoustic performance...
4 weeks ago
Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative electrical engineering solutions for nuclear power projects. Oversee multi-discipline teams, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction while drivin...
2 days ago
Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative electrical engineering solutions for nuclear power projects. Oversee multi-discipline coordination, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction w...
4 days ago
Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery through effective coordination, technical oversight, and client engagement. Drive innovation and mentor te...
1 week ago
Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Contribute to innovative electrical engineering projects, leading a team to solve complex challenges in nuclear power systems. Drive project success through effective coordination, technical oversight...
1 week ago
$98K - $160K *
Lead the design and development of advanced generator systems, ensuring high performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product lifecycle from concept to production...
1 week ago
Materials & Processes Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Engage in the development and oversight of materials and processes for spaceflight hardware, ensuring compliance with stringent requirements. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize mater...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$145K - $222K *
Advance your career by optimizing power generation systems in the nuclear sector. Collaborate with clients and teams to enhance plant efficiency, manage resources, and lead engineering proposals while...
6 days ago
Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$145K - $222K *
Shape the future of energy by leading power uprate projects in the nuclear sector. Collaborate with clients and teams to enhance plant efficiency, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with i...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of mechanical engineering by designing robust enclosures and thermal solutions for mission-critical systems. Lead full lifecycle design while collaborating with cross-functional t...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Structural Dynamics Test Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a collaborative team as a Sr. Structural Dynamics Engineer, where you will lead dynamic testing and analysis of spacecraft hardware, ensuring robust performance under challenging conditions throu...
1 month ago
Manufacturing Engineer I, Turbomachinery
$90K - $136K *
Lead the charge in developing and optimizing turbopump components for high-performance rocket engines, collaborating across teams to enhance manufacturing processes and drive projects to successful co...
6 days ago
$180K - $260K *
Innovate by designing, testing, and integrating advanced mechanical systems for remote piloted aircraft, ensuring reliability and safety through cradle-to-grave ownership while collaborating across mu...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $260K *
Design, build, and test advanced mechanical systems for automated aviation, owning projects from conception to certification. Collaborate across teams to enhance safety-critical aircraft mechanisms an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$250K - $280K *
Shape the future of robotics as a technical lead driving system integration and mechanical design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance, manage cost engineering, and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Cryogenics Mechanical Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of cryogenic engineering, performing design and analysis for advanced mechanical systems. Collaborate with multi-disciplined teams to support innovative projects an...
1 week ago
$85K - $105K *
Shape innovative HVAC and plumbing designs for diverse projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions on time and within budget while enhancing...
1 week ago
$250K - $280K *
Advance your career by leading mechanical integration and architecture for innovative products. Drive system-level performance, collaborate cross-functionally, and set design standards in this pivotal...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to aerodynamic design for compressor and turbine stages, managing the entire process from modeling to testing. Collaborate on flow path architecture and blade profiling to optimize efficien...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Optimize and integrate the manufacturing process for hazardous materials, taking ownership from design through commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency i...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Deliver hands-on leadership in engineering, guiding vehicle conversion development and validation while fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency across a dynamic team. Drive product excellence...
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.