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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$88K - $105K *

Help us drive innovation in shipbuilding by supporting construction and engineering compliance for Virginia and Columbia Class deck structures in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that values colla...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $165K *

Drive structural analysis for aircraft modifications, ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards. Collaborate with design teams, implement engineering processes, and maintain quality metrics to...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance rocket modeling systems, conducting simulations and assessments for U.S. launch and missile programs. Contribute to advanced aerospace projects while shaping...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining sensor system design to enhance physical asset protection. Collaborate on innovative mechanical solutions, optimize manufacturing processes, and support field deployments...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Transform spacecraft systems engineering by leading cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and optimize spacecraft designs, ensuring mission success from concept through flight while fostering c...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $199K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead innovative gas turbine design initiatives, ensuring adherence to aerospace regulatory standards while delivering high-performance solutions that priorit...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Take ownership of innovative mechanical designs for advanced particle accelerator systems, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance our state-of-the-art production capabilities and ensur...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $180K *

Lead the charge in structural optimization for next-gen aerospace platforms, utilizing hand calculations and FEA. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate designs, establish best practices...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Drive user-centered design initiatives by evaluating UX requirements, conducting analyses, and collaborating with teams to enhance system performance and compliance with Human Factors best practices i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Shape user experience by leading Human Factors evaluations and analyses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design meets military standards. Grow your career in a dynamic environment fo...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing user experience through innovative Human Factors Engineering. Collaborate on critical projects, ensuring compliance with military standards while driving desi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $140K *

Drive innovation by designing vehicle-specific mechanical interfaces for autonomy systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance product reliability and manufacturability while directly impacting techno...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative civil engineering solutions for a landmark military campus, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and infrastructure d...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating medical technology by designing and verifying mechanical components for advanced MR systems. Collaborate across functions to deliver reliable solutions that...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Take ownership of innovative material designs under high-radiation conditions, advising on performance impacts and collaborating with engineers to enhance capabilities, ensuring safe and effective sol...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Innovate thermal performance solutions for gas turbines and power plants. Lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and enhance performance modeling while supporting business development and proposal st...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $170K *

Elevate spacecraft autonomy by developing algorithms for multi-agent coordination and trajectory planning. Collaborate with engineers to ensure reliability and safety across innovative space missions...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by developing advanced motor control algorithms for electric vehicles. Collaborate with a skilled team to innovate and optimize traction motor software in a dynamic automotive envi...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Analyze and refine spacecraft manufacturing processes, driving innovation and efficiency. Collaborate across systems to own tooling development and transition hardware into high-rate production, enhan...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead and inspire engineering initiatives in air traffic management systems, translating operational needs into actionable requirements while ensuring system performance and safety through effective in...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$89K - $167K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense systems by designing innovative hardware solutions. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineers to support critical design reviews and ensure complia...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$142K *

Manage engineering projects and oversee maintenance operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. Collaborate with teams to optimize resource allocation and enhance system eff...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $120K *

Innovate cutting-edge SATCOM solutions to support national security missions. Collaborate with esteemed clients, manage complex engineering projects, and ensure technical excellence in RF systems desi...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Transform aerospace systems by designing, testing, and implementing advanced GN&C algorithms. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to shape the future of autonomous and hypersonic vehicle technology w...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by overseeing comprehensive planning and design for multi-phase construction projects, ensuring technical integrity and regulatory compliance while collaborating with cross-functional...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.