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.
$110K - $130K *
Lead embedded hardware development for space and defense applications, focusing on design, integration, and testing. Collaborate with engineering teams to overcome technical challenges and drive innov...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $145K *
Shape the future of engineering by leading a dynamic team to deliver innovative projects. Drive technical excellence, mentor emerging talent, and ensure project success through effective communication...
Reposted 6 days ago
$77K - $85K *
Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in marine design; execute complex CAD-based design tasks for various platforms while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engi...
4 weeks ago
Engineering Program Manager - Research And Development
$110K - $130K *
Drive product innovation by leading cross-functional teams to successfully execute R&D projects from concept to market, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and leveraging business acumen for optim...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $190K *
Join a team that's leading the safety lifecycle for pressurized spacecraft. You'll drive hazard analyses, represent safety interests to NASA, and ensure compliance with rigorous safety standards for c...
1 week ago
$150K - $190K *
Help us shape the future of space safety by leading system safety for pressurized spacecraft. Drive hazard analyses, author safety data packages, and represent safety interests before NASA and station...
1 week ago
$150K - $190K *
Join a team that's redefining safety in aerospace by leading system safety for pressurized spacecraft. You'll drive hazard analyses, represent safety interests to NASA, and ensure robust safety measur...
1 week ago
LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Aerospace & Avionics HW Systems
$120K - $145K *
Transform aerospace engineering by leading multidisciplinary teams in avionics and mission hardware development, ensuring integration across the hardware lifecycle while advancing digital engineering...
1 week ago
LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Aerospace & Avionics HW Systems
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in multidisciplinary aerospace engineering, integrating avionics and mission hardware across the lifecycle. Drive innovation in design, analysis, and verification while ensuring compli...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer (Senior-Staff), Power Systems
$135K - $250K *
Lead the design and development of spacecraft electrical power systems, ensuring reliability and performance across multiple programs. Drive technical decisions and collaborate with cross-functional t...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer (Senior-Staff), Power Systems
$135K - $250K *
Design and lead spacecraft electrical power systems, ensuring reliability and performance across missions. Drive architecture decisions, conduct reviews, and mentor engineers while collaborating with...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Innovate mission operations by designing, analyzing, and testing satellite systems. Support the full mission lifecycle, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency while collaborating across teams t...
6 days ago
Sr Principal Engineer - Mechanical Design
$128K - $192K *
Lead the design and development of gas turbine components through innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance, reliability, and efficiency...
Reposted today
Senior Mechanical Systems Licensing Engineer
$140K - $166K *
Lead the charge in ensuring regulatory compliance for innovative reactor systems. Collaborate across engineering, design, and safety teams to deliver robust licensing applications and strategic submis...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Systems Licensing Engineer
$140K - $166K *
Lead the charge in licensing activities for mechanical systems in reactor facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and develop regulatory submissions. Prior experience...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Systems Licensing Engineer
$140K - $166K *
Lead the charge in licensing activities for reactor facility systems, collaborating with engineering teams to ensure regulatory compliance, develop strategies, and prepare comprehensive documentation...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of advanced electronics by designing innovative systems for developmental launchers. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to bring concepts to life and ensu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
Yesterday
Structural Design and Load Rating Engineer
$83K - $93K *
Empower infrastructure development by conducting bridge load-rating analyses and structural evaluations. Collaborate with teams on rehabilitation and replacement projects, enhancing transportation saf...
1 week ago
Sr Engineering Manager 2 - Aeroderivative Combustion Module
$131K - $219K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy by leading a high-performing engineering group focused on aeroderivative combustion technology, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of continuou...
Yesterday
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Supply Chain
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's focused on navigating complex supply chain challenges. Define strategies for supplier development and ensure design manufacturability while supporting prototyping through to full-sc...
1 month ago
$112K - $196K *
Lead the charge in integrating engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects. Ensure technical excellence, monitor progress, and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to meet client crite...
Today
$112K - $196K *
Unlock potential by integrating engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects. Lead technical excellence, manage resources, and ensure compliance while driving project success through...
Today
$112K - $196K *
Manage and integrate engineering, budget, and scheduling aspects of medium-sized projects. Ensure technical excellence, monitor progress, and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to meet client criteria...
Today
$112K - $196K *
Lead the integration of engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects. Ensure technical excellence, manage procurement, and monitor progress to meet client criteria and project goals...
Today
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.