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.
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Reimagine nuclear engineering with cutting-edge design and analysis in power plants, guiding modifications and project teams while ensuring excellence and safety in carbon-free energy solutions...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Manage nuclear power plant systems design and modifications, including analyses, drawings, and procurement, while leading project teams and interfacing with clients on engineering initiatives. Embrace...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's leading innovative designs for nuclear power plants. Develop and review modification packages and engineering analyses, while interfacing with clients to advance clean energy soluti...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading nuclear power system designs and modifications. Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate and support projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhanci...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Collaborate on nuclear power plant systems design, modify operational packages, and conduct engineering evaluations. Lead project teams, interface with clients, and develop cost estimates, ensuring co...
3 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Transform nuclear power systems design through engineering analyses, modification packages, and vendor evaluations, while leading project teams and interfacing with clients to enhance plant performanc...
4 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Shape engineering solutions for nuclear power plants by leading design modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance operations and drive innovative energy...
4 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Champion the design of nuclear power plant systems, ensuring successful modifications and operational efficiency through engineering analyses, vendor evaluations, and project leadership in a collabora...
4 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$130K - $179K *
Advance your career by leading nuclear power plant systems design efforts, including engineering analyses, modification packages, and technical specifications. Collaborate with teams and clients to en...
4 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$130K - $179K *
Lead the charge in nuclear power plant systems design, overseeing modifications, engineering analyses, and technical documentation while collaborating closely with clients to drive project success and...
4 weeks ago
Welding Engineer - Materials & Process - Lunar Permanance
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's pioneering sustainable lunar infrastructure, developing advanced welding processes for aerospace applications. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure quality and safety in space e...
Yesterday
Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous space travel by developing cutting-edge guidance, navigation, and control systems for hypersonic vehicles. Collaborate with experts to innovate and...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of control systems by leading projects, designing solutions, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful implementation and functionality of instrumentation and cont...
1 week ago
$79K - $129K *
Lead innovative R&D projects in automotive systems, managing resources and timelines while driving continuous improvement and collaboration across teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure...
1 week ago
$91K - $129K *
Champion emissions compliance by leveraging engineering expertise to ensure regulatory adherence across testing laboratories and field services, driving process improvements and collaboration among di...
2 days ago
$91K - $129K *
Lead emissions compliance initiatives by applying engineering expertise to ensure regulatory adherence in testing laboratories and field services. Collaborate across teams to resolve compliance issues...
2 days ago
$105K - $155K *
Shape project success by leading engineering efforts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within scope...
2 weeks ago
$91K - $129K *
Analyze emissions compliance processes and engineering practices to ensure regulatory adherence across laboratories and field services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve complex compl...
2 days ago
Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
$99K - $225K *
Lead the charge in space vehicle systems engineering, driving design, development, and integration efforts. Collaborate with clients and teams to innovate and enhance advanced technology solutions for...
1 week ago
Mission Certification Engineer 3 (Payloads-Mechanical Engineer)
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on ensuring launch vehicle readiness. Collaborate with engineers to resolve critical issues and uphold design standards, driving mission success at o...
6 days ago
Mission Certification Engineer 3 (Payloads-Mechanical Engineer)
$95K - $115K *
Champion mission success by ensuring launch vehicle readiness through hands-on engineering, cross-functional collaboration, and rigorous certification processes at the launch site, driving operational...
6 days ago
Senior Project Controls Engineer
$120K - $180K *
Drive project success by managing CPM schedules and controls for data center projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, optimize resources, and mitigate risks while providing c...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Advanced Mechanical Design Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of aerospace by leading the design and analysis of gas turbine engine components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, manage projects, and drive process impr...
Today
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$120K - $145K *
Innovate within a collaborative team of experts, leading complex mechanical designs for propulsion systems while mentoring engineers and driving performance excellence in advanced aerospace engineerin...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive mechanical design excellence and lead a dynamic engineering team in developing cutting-edge controllable solid propulsion systems while mentoring talent and ensuring project alignment with techn...
3 weeks 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.