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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$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of propulsion system testing by planning, executing, and reviewing control tests for electric vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in advanced automotive technologies...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$165K - $245K *

Innovate propulsion systems for advanced space vehicles. Lead design, testing, and optimization efforts while mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to ensure mission success and enhance system...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $245K *

Join us to design and optimize advanced propulsion systems for next-gen space vehicles. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in missile defense technology...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Drive aerospace innovation by leading propulsion module integration, transforming requirements into flight-ready systems. Collaborate, ensure safety compliance, and mentor your team while scaling prod...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$136K - $193K *

Lead the charge in designing and qualifying pressure vessels for human-rated space stations. Oversee a team, set technical direction, and manage the full product lifecycle from concept to end-of-life...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Explore your potential as a Marine Engineer, enhancing vessel modernization for military projects. Collaborate with various teams to deliver technical solutions and support data management throughout...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $215K *

Join a team that's redefining propulsion systems for sUAS platforms. You'll lead engine selection, integration, and testing, ensuring optimal performance and reliability across various flight conditio...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Support major aviation investigations by providing expert analysis on propulsion systems, leading teams, and developing safety recommendations to enhance aviation safety and compliance...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design of pressurized fluid systems for propulsion modules, driving architecture, testing, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure systems are safe, efficient, and r...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $181K *

Drive innovation in aerospace by leading the design and analysis of launch vehicle structures. Collaborate with global teams to ensure performance and reliability while mentoring engineers in a dynami...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$151K - $252K *

Shape the future of in-space propulsion by leading design, analysis, and testing of advanced systems. Drive architecture decisions and manage teams to deliver innovative propulsion solutions for diver...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team supporting propulsion systems for the International Space Station. Collaborate with international partners, manage technical meetings, and ensure system performance meets mission r...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining defense technology by integrating advanced propulsion systems into next-gen platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to transform concepts into reliable, manufacturable...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform marine propulsion systems through expert maintenance and troubleshooting. Collaborate with customers and lead service teams to ensure safety and efficiency while delivering top-notch technic...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by driving the development of hypersonic flight systems and advanced propulsion technologies. Collaborate on innovative aerospace projects, enhancing your expertise in solid rocket mo...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Inspire innovation in rocket propulsion research by providing expert technical advisory support. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national Space Access capabilities through rigorous systems...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $160K *

Lead innovative projects in spacecraft development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance and deliver exceptional space vehicles while ensuring compliance with custo...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $156K *

Innovate in aerospace by designing and analyzing Aeon-R propulsion systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize engine performance and support the launch of Terran R in 2026. Lead proj...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $203K *

Innovate and advance your career by designing advanced propulsion systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and optimize components, ensuring project success through effective planni...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Build and lead a propulsion test engineering team, designing test infrastructure for thrusters and systems. Drive safety, data quality, and operational excellence while managing capacity to support gr...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $185K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced turbomachinery designs for nuclear reactors. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure optimal aerodynamic performance and structural integrity throughout the lif...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$84K - $115K *

Join a team that's committed to innovation as you develop custom mechanical systems, perform simulations, and support design processes, ensuring top-tier performance from concept to assembly, with occ...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $105K *

Drive innovation by supporting the design, testing, and integration of payload hardware for DoD projects. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure project success throughout the developme...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $140K *

Transform your career by leading spacecraft testing initiatives, enhancing processes, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure the success of cutting-edge aerospace projects. Drive innovation an...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$185K - $280K *

Drive the design and development of advanced propulsion systems for spacecraft, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance and reliability. Shape the future of space exploration...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 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.