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.
$134K - $241K *
Join a dynamic team to provide technical guidance for missile defense site integration, ensuring effective collaboration across agencies and stakeholders while identifying and mitigating design gaps t...
1 week ago
$134K - $241K *
Lead the charge in providing technical guidance and support for missile defense integration, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure effective system design and performance while addressing gaps an...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to bridging theoretical design and hardware integration. Support the full systems engineering lifecycle, ensuring rigorous validation and testing of high-value engineering...
1 week ago
Lead R&D Manufacturing Engineer
$92K - $138K *
Innovate manufacturing processes and tooling solutions while leading cross-functional teams. Drive product development from concept to production, ensuring quality and efficiency in advanced technolog...
6 days ago
Lead R&D Manufacturing Engineer
$92K - $138K *
Transform manufacturing processes by leading R&D initiatives, developing innovative tooling, and collaborating across teams to enhance product quality and efficiency from concept to production...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to the development and launch of manufacturing processes for lithium-ion cells, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize efficiency and quality while ensuring safe equipment de...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineering Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
$145K - $222K *
Champion the advancement of nuclear power generation by leading engineering projects, interfacing with clients, and mentoring junior staff. Drive technical discussions, develop proposals, and ensure c...
2 weeks ago
Lead Electric Propulsion Engineer, Amazon Leo, GNC
$159K - $215K *
Shape the future of electric propulsion technologies as a Lead Engineer. Leverage your expertise to influence spacecraft design and development, driving innovation and ensuring excellence in propulsio...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer – Embedded Systems / Flight Control Hardware
$80K - $128K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing embedded electronic systems for advanced platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and firmware, ensuring robust solutions fo...
Today
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading complex mechanical design projects for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion whil...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Lead the charge in mechanical design for mobile equipment, managing complex projects and guiding engineers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion while collaborating across tea...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Advance your career by leading complex mechanical design projects for mobile equipment. Collaborate with engineers and project managers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe project completion w...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer
$90K - $105K *
Lead the charge in innovative mechanical design for mobile equipment, managing complex projects and guiding engineers to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and safe delivery of high-quality solutions. Co...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Fluid Systems
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's transforming energy by engineering innovative fluid systems from design to production, ensuring optimal performance in cutting-edge reactor applications while driving advancements i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead the development of mission-critical hardware, transforming concepts into rigorous requirements while overseeing design, testing, and integration of complex electromechanical systems for aerospace...
2 weeks ago
Aircraft Design Engineer -Aerospace
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in advancing RPAS platform development as an Aircraft Design Engineer. Drive innovative designs, integrate systems, and collaborate with teams to enhance mechanical performance and pro...
4 weeks ago
$111K - $170K *
Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects, focusing on design, testing, and production of aerospace equipment. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with stringent environmental standards...
1 week ago
Range Safety & Flight Termination Engineer
$134K - $241K *
Drive innovation by providing expert engineering support for flight termination systems, ensuring safety and compliance during missile defense operations. Collaborate with teams to oversee development...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $194K *
Empower strategic planning for the Fleet Ballistic Missiles program by analyzing fleet requirements, developing production schedules, and collaborating with Navy stakeholders to ensure program success...
Today
$104K - $194K *
Engage in project management to drive production operations, ensuring quality, cost, and schedule performance for the Under Layer Radar program. Lead cross-functional teams and implement process impro...
Yesterday
$104K - $194K *
Manage engineering projects by coordinating planning, execution, and integration across teams. Drive technical solutions, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with standards while enhancing team effi...
6 days ago
$94K - $156K *
Unlock innovative solutions in spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control. Collaborate with senior engineers to design, analyze, and validate systems for groundbreaking missions, enhancing algorithm...
3 weeks ago
$81K - $107K *
Drive innovation in recreational vehicle development by leading cross-functional teams, influencing design decisions, and delivering high-quality products that meet market demands and performance obje...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform your career by designing innovative mechanisms for cutting-edge reactor technology. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to tackle unique engineering challenges and ensure the reliabilit...
2 weeks ago
$192K - $289K *
Unlock your potential as a key technical authority, leading a diverse engineering team to enhance national security initiatives through innovative software solutions in an agile, collaborative setting...
Reposted 1 week 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.