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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$130K - $180K *

Empower the future of hydropower by delivering innovative mechanical engineering solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement projects that enhance water resources and i...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Join our dynamic Hydropower and Water Resources team as an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, contributing to innovative projects from design to commissioning, while collaborating with multidisciplinar...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Transform hydropower and water resources projects by leveraging your mechanical engineering expertise. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, analyze, and support innovative solutions fro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Innovate within the Hydropower and Water Resources team, contributing to mechanical engineering design and analysis for hydropower projects. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure project success fr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Elevate your career by joining our Hydropower and Water Resources team, where you'll design and analyze mechanical systems for hydropower projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to delive...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Explore a rewarding opportunity as an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, contributing to hydropower and water resources projects from design to commissioning while collaborating with multidisciplinary...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, contributing to hydropower and water resources projects from design to commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Shape innovative solutions by leveraging your mechanical engineering expertise in hydropower and water resources projects, guiding them from design to operation while collaborating with multidisciplin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of hydropower and water resources. As an Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, you'll drive projects from design to commissioning, collaborating with multidisciplinar...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in designing advanced electromechanical systems for critical infrastructure. Collaborate with global teams to create innovative solutions that balance performance, cost, and reliabilit...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's pioneering the future of energy by designing and optimizing high-power electrical systems integral to fusion power generation. You will lead efforts to deliver reliable, clean elect...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$165K - $276K *

Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver complex in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions. Drive project execution from design to certification, ensuring alignment with technical...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $276K *

Champion the engineering execution of complex in-flight entertainment and connectivity projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams, develop strategies, and ensure technical solutions meet customer and qual...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $140K *

Join our team as a Mechanical Engineer, acting as the Owner's Engineer representative for a Gas Utility Client. Collaborate with stakeholders, manage engineering scopes, and ensure project success acr...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$75K - $112K *

Lead a quality team to ensure safety, quality, and production metrics in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment, supervising staff and managing calibration processes to meet compliance and oper...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $112K *

Lead the charge in quality assurance by supervising a dynamic team, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace production environment...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $135K *

Unlock potential by collaborating with a dynamic team to design and deploy advanced orbit determination systems, guiding projects from architecture to operational deployment while making a tangible im...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $247K *

Empower product development by leading and mentoring teams of engineers. Bring your expertise to complex projects while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration within a fast-paced con...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $150K *

Elevate your career by supporting the Navy's advanced aerospace initiatives. Lead the planning and operational readiness of cutting-edge test facilities while collaborating with diverse technical team...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $175K *

Optimize project delivery by managing Gantt charts for multiple aerospace programs. Collaborate with engineers and leadership to ensure schedules align with critical paths, risks, and resource availab...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $205K *

Transform the future of clean energy by innovating nuclear power plant systems design, leading engineering projects, and collaborating on modifications that enhance operational efficiency and safety...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$86K - $165K *

Transform engineering initiatives by leading cross-functional teams in the development, testing, and optimization of fuel metering systems, ensuring high-quality solutions in a dynamic aerospace envir...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform the manufacturing landscape by leading technical teams to innovate processes, enhance product quality, and drive cost-effective solutions. Leverage your expertise to guide engineers and ensu...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative solutions for complex systems, driving mission engineering and architecture design. Collaborate with teams to analyze performance and mitigate risks, while men...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $245K *

Lead the charge in harnessing advanced systems engineering to drive mission success, integrate complex hardware and software systems, and develop innovative solutions that meet evolving customer requi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.