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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$120K - $145K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading multidisciplinary teams in U.S. Navy ship design, ensuring technical integration and compliance with program objectives, while fostering collaboration and innov...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$183K - $225K *

Design and lead the development of complex electro-mechanical systems for uncrewed vehicles, ensuring compliance and performance while collaborating across teams to drive innovative solutions from con...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $205K *

Help us revolutionize space technology by optimizing electromechanical assemblies. Collaborate with innovative teams, enhance production quality, and take ownership of testing processes that are criti...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $280K *

Design and develop embedded software for advanced actuators and control systems, ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and safety in ae...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $260K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge power conversion systems for high-speed generators. Collaborate with technical founders to drive innovation from design to production, ensuring seamless inte...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that shapes the future of innovative mechanical systems by owning the design and implementation of HVAC, plumbing, and piping standards that drive groundbreaking industrial projects and en...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$157K - $206K *

Drive advancements in hypersonic technology by developing GNC systems for flight vehicles. Engage in algorithm design, simulation, verification, and testing to ensure optimal performance. Collaborate...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $220K *

Unlock potential by leading airworthiness and certification efforts for complex aerospace programs. Collaborate with regulatory authorities, mentor engineers, and drive compliance activities across mi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by developing and testing safety-critical flight software. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance GN&C algorithms and ensure high-quality performance in aerospace application...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $110K *

Join us to develop and enhance quality plans for aerospace manufacturing processes, focusing on precision components. You'll analyze metrics, lead corrective actions, and interface with suppliers to d...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Elevate lunar exploration as the Technical Authority for electrical systems, ensuring rigorous engineering analysis and timely deliverables for lunar landers. Lead teams, manage risks, and drive innov...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $175K *

Lead and execute complex process hazard analyses and safety audits, ensuring compliance and delivering high-quality engineering solutions. Collaborate with clients and mentor teams while managing proj...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $175K *

Transform complex projects by leading process hazard analyses and safety audits. Empower engineering teams to deliver high-quality service while fostering client relationships and ensuring compliance...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$160K - $175K *

Unlock potential by leading complex process hazard analyses and safety audits. Collaborate with clients and manage engineering teams to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality results across divers...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $203K *

Advance your career by joining a dynamic team focused on designing and developing cutting-edge propulsion systems. Collaborate with experts to enhance the BE-7 Lunar Lander Engine, driving innovation...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $193K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in mechanical engineering. Collaborate on design, analysis, and integration of advanced hardware systems while supporting operations and enhancing capabilities in...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join us to lead and develop a dynamic Structural Integrity Engineering Team, ensuring technical excellence, effective resource management, and continuous improvement while fostering a high-performing...

Saint-bruno, QCIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Champion the future of rolling stock engineering by leading studies, managing projects, and developing innovative maintenance solutions to exceed client expectations and enhance operational efficiency...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$160K - $210K *

Shape the future of flight systems by ensuring airworthiness and safety compliance. Lead certification strategies, interface with military authorities, and oversee safety assessments for complex aeros...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $100K *

Drive the future of product engineering by optimizing investment casting processes, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing eff...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$98K - $148K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating manufacturing processes for advanced ceramics. As a Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer, you'll drive improvements, optimize production, and support cut...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Engineer solutions for high power residential inverters, overseeing mechanical design and collaboration to resolve design challenges and ensure product integrity, contributing to a modernized, efficie...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$83K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovative mechanical design and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success while leading technical efforts and optimizing client operat...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Drive the daily operations of advanced test rigs, executing test campaigns, troubleshooting, and ensuring precise data analysis to support engineering success while contributing to robust design and c...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Advance the future of turbine engine systems by providing expert engineering support, ensuring compliance with airworthiness requirements, and leading engine performance evaluations for military air p...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.