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.
Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer, Power Electronics
$120K - $220K *
Manage the design and development of innovative power electronics systems, utilizing first principles. Collaborate with engineering teams, oversee projects from concept to production, and contribute t...
Reposted 6 days ago
$145K - $175K *
Empower your career by leading the design and implementation of advanced navigation systems for spacecraft. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure mission success through innovative algorithms and...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $110K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by designing and developing innovative mechanical systems. Collaborate with experts to create solutions that meet NASA's rigorous standards a...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative mechanical systems for diverse industrial projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions while mentoring junior engineers...
2 weeks ago
Power Electronics Design Release Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in power electronics design for next-gen vehicles, overseeing components from design to delivery. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure high-quality, efficient production and manage...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Drive innovation in manufacturing by bridging engineering and production processes. Lead the development of efficient protocols, support production launches, and enhance product scalability while ensu...
4 weeks ago
$89K - $116K *
Transform systems engineering processes to support innovative space missions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle, ensuring mission success from design and integration...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Power Electronics Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that shapes the future of power electronics and enhances EV technology by developing efficient DC/DC Converters and Onboard Chargers while ensuring top quality and performance across vario...
4 weeks ago
Aeronautical Engineer Mgr - L5
$129K - $239K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a skilled team in the development and support of critical Crew Systems, ensuring technical execution and lifecycle management across multiple business lines...
2 days ago
Engineer - Materials & Processes I (Propulsion) - Early Career (Evergreen)
$81K - $113K *
Develop and qualify materials and processes for liquid rocket engines, collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to optimize performance and cost, while ensuring quality and compliance through...
Today
Senior Engineer - Gas Turbine Product Service
$113K - $188K *
Drive technical support for Gas Turbine Hot Gas Path systems, resolving complex issues and collaborating with teams to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Engage in root cause an...
1 week ago
$81K - $136K *
Unlock potential by leading safety assessments and recommendations for launch and space vehicle systems. Ensure compliance with safety requirements while fostering collaboration across teams in a dyna...
Reposted 1 week ago
$81K - $136K *
Transform safety assessments by evaluating vehicle systems and operational procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective hazard management through independent audits and recommendations to...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal/Sr. Principal Structural Design Engineer (Active Secret)
$114K - $171K *
Drive the design and development of spacecraft components, leading projects from concept to delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural integrity and compliance with aerospa...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of engineering by designing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for diverse projects. Collaborate with clients and teams from initial field visits to successful construction co...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with clients and project teams to design and develop HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for diverse commercial and institutional projects, ensuring successful project completion from i...
2 weeks ago
Programmatic Space Vehicle Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovative space vehicle engineering by providing expert guidance on technical and programmatic aspects, ensuring mission success through effective collaboration and risk management across multi...
Today
Fuel Manufacturing Lead Engineer
$173K - $231K *
Lead technical initiatives in fuel and core component manufacturing, ensuring collaboration across teams and stakeholders. Guide the scale-up of manufacturing processes while driving adherence to nucl...
Reposted 1 week ago
CAST (Propulsion/Nuclear) Analyst - 30716
$79K - $83K *
Join a dedicated team enhancing ship maintenance and operations for the US Navy. Leverage your expertise in propulsion and combat systems to support aircraft carrier availability and training initiati...
Reposted 3 days ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aviation
$186K - $265K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative mechanical engineering solutions for complex aviation projects. Provide strategic oversight, mentor teams, and foster client relationships to drive excellence...
6 days ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aviation
$186K - $265K *
Lead the charge in complex aviation projects, providing senior technical expertise and mentoring teams. Drive client relationships and business development while ensuring project excellence and commer...
6 days ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aviation
$186K - $265K *
Lead innovative aviation projects as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, providing technical expertise and strategic direction while mentoring teams and enhancing client relationships to drive exceptiona...
6 days ago
Fuel Fabrication Project Engineer
$100K - $150K *
Engage in critical nuclear project activities by coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving project timelines while fostering collaboration among engineering, pr...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $110K *
Empower innovative designs as a mechanical engineer, specializing in SolidWorks. Manage complex assemblies from concept through production while ensuring manufacturability and reliability in a dynamic...
3 weeks ago
$167K - $217K *
Transform aerospace innovation by leading materials and processes expertise. Drive development, testing, and specification processes to enhance reliability in cutting-edge aerospace applications. Coll...
Reposted 4 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.