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.
Principal System Concepts Engineer
$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
$88K - $117K *
Drive innovative mechanical design solutions for HVAC systems, enhancing efficiency and performance in semiconductor facilities. Collaborate with teams to analyze, design, and implement systems while...
1 week ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Play a key role in nuclear power systems design, overseeing modifications, analyses, and technical documentation. Lead engineering project teams and interface with clients to enhance operational effic...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Optimize nuclear power plant systems design by preparing and reviewing modification packages, engineering analyses, and technical specifications while leading project teams and interfacing with client...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Lead the charge in engineering design for nuclear power plants, overseeing modifications, evaluations, and vendor assessments. Collaborate closely with teams and clients to enhance systems and ensure...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Transform the nuclear power sector by engaging in design, modification, and evaluation of plant systems. Collaborate with clients and lead project teams while leveraging engineering expertise to deliv...
4 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Join a dynamic team influencing nuclear power systems design. Contribute to modification packages, technical specifications, and engineering analyses to enhance operations and lead projects, ensuring...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in managing large-scale software engineering projects within the Aerospace industry. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensu...
2 days ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer (Fluidic Systems)
$120K - $145K *
Grow your career with a senior role in mechanical engineering, focusing on the design, optimization, and integration of fluid systems and precision mechanisms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Power Electronics
$150K - $185K *
Drive technical excellence in spacecraft avionics by establishing architecture standards, managing risks, and mentoring teams to ensure timely delivery of flight-grade hardware across multiple program...
2 days ago
Junior Structural Integrity Engineer
$88K - $92K *
Contribute to engineering efforts by analyzing structural data, supporting airworthiness evaluations, and optimizing processes under senior guidance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve...
Reposted 2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate product innovation by independently designing and evaluating complex engineering solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance product performance and support manufacturing, ensuring adherenc...
6 days ago
Power System Lead, Launch Recovery Vehicle (R6025)
$216K - $325K *
Champion innovative power system designs, overseeing their progression from concept to production. Lead teams to ensure high-performance solutions tailored for challenging environments, ensuring relia...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Transform advanced robotics and controls through system design, motion control, and real-time software. Collaborate to optimize electromechanical solutions, encompassing dynamic modeling and actuator...
3 weeks ago
Air Vehicle Design Engineer, Configuration & OML
$115K - $150K *
Optimize the design of next-gen unmanned aircraft and missile systems by translating mission requirements into viable configurations. Collaborate across disciplines to create robust CAD models and ens...
2 weeks ago
$63K - $111K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team as you manage engineering submittals, liaise with project managers, and ensure timely processing of technical documents, contributing to mission success in federal...
Today
$63K - $111K *
Join our team to manage engineering submittals, liaise with project teams, and ensure timely processing of technical documents while maintaining organized records and databases for optimal project suc...
Today
$63K - $111K *
Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in engineering support. Leverage your expertise to manage submittals, collaborate with project teams, and maintain critical documentation, ensuring timely de...
Today
$63K - $111K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Senior Engineering Technician, where you'll manage submittals, liaise with contractors, and ensure efficient project documentation to support critical e...
Today
Senior Engineer, Mechanical (Nuclear)
$100K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining infrastructure! As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you'll develop and modify mechanical systems for nuclear power plants, collaborating with engineers and designers to deli...
Reposted 1 week ago
Survivability Systems Engineer/Scientist (Lead or Senior)
$146K - $239K *
Lead the charge in advanced survivability systems engineering, applying interdisciplinary collaboration to analyze and test satellite vehicles for space environments throughout their lifecycle...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the development of a cutting-edge rotary engine from prototype to production. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to optimize performance while managing a high-performing team in a hands...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $130K *
Join us to oversee spacecraft flight operations, ensuring mission success through hands-on monitoring, risk assessment, and procedure development. Collaborate with a dynamic team in a fast-paced envir...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $142K *
Optimize fluid systems analysis for propulsion applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure robust vehicle designs. Provide technical guidance and support for troubleshooting and...
1 week ago
$85K - $142K *
Analyze fluid systems for propulsion applications, providing technical guidance and support across various teams to ensure robust vehicle designs and effective troubleshooting of anomalies in launch v...
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.