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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$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative solid propulsion designs by leading a skilled team. Drive complex mechanical engineering challenges, enhance collaboration, and advance technologies that shape the future of propuls...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in advanced mechanical design for controllable propulsion systems. Manage a talented engineering team, tackle complex design challenges, and ensure alignment of mission goals with engi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead critical engineering projects at a major hydropower facility, providing mentorship and technical expertise. Engage in design, maintenance, and operational activities to ensure efficient power gen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$77K - $93K *

Champion the design and development of large-scale solar PV systems, creating detailed construction documents and specifications while collaborating with clients and stakeholders to ensure successful...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Lead mechanical engineering efforts on major projects, coordinating complex design phases and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Utilize broad expertise to tackle challenges and innovate sol...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative solutions by providing technical expertise and mentorship for complex mechanical engineering projects at a major hydropower facility, ensuring compliance with standards and enhanci...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$114K - $171K *

Engage in the design and implementation of model-based navigation software, collaborating with experts to enhance advanced navigation technologies. Drive innovation and contribute to national defense...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform vehicle development by leading technical execution and integration across multiple systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure readiness and success of hypersonic strike missions, drivi...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $194K *

Join a team that's redefining underwater operations by designing and integrating cutting-edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Collaborate across disciplines to solve complex engineering challen...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of aerospace innovation, leading the design and development of advanced ordnance systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and compliance th...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform manufacturing operations by enhancing processes, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to boost safety, quality, and productivity in a dynamic environ...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$173K - $193K *

Lead the charge in spacecraft subsystem design, from concept to flight. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure timely delivery and integration, while mentoring junior engineers and driving innovativ...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you oversee vessel engineering operations, ensuring compliance and optimizing performance. Leverage your expertise in diesel-electric propulsion and dynamic positioning systems...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$92K - $138K *

Manage design efforts for Nacelle components in commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with standards and requirements. Collaborate across functions to enhance product quality and efficiency while l...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Architect design solutions for Nacelle components, ensuring compliance with standards. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while driving engineering changes and techn...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Oversee the development and management of spaceflight hardware projects, ensuring successful execution through financial monitoring, team coordination, and troubleshooting. Collaborate with NASA and i...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$153K - $230K *

Lead the charge in mechanical engineering management, overseeing complex projects, improving processes, and developing teams while ensuring high-quality product designs to support superior mission sys...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$126K - $189K *

Empower a high-performing engineering team by providing leadership, project oversight, and strategic direction in mechanical systems for ICBM Sustainment. Drive innovation and best practices while ens...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Empower project success by managing engineering initiatives, collaborating across teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while driving project timelines, budgets, and quality control...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Drive manufacturing excellence by solving complex challenges in gear and shaft operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while developing expertise in advan...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$84K - $129K *

Unlock your potential by collaborating with a dynamic project team to design and enhance electrical systems for nuclear power plants, ensuring reliability and efficiency in a fast-paced environment...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$84K - $129K *

Support the design and analysis of electrical systems for nuclear power plants. Collaborate with engineers and vendors to ensure project success, focusing on reliability and compliance while managing...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$84K - $129K *

Lead the design and analysis of electrical systems for nuclear power plants. Collaborate with engineers and vendors to ensure project success, focusing on reliability and compliance. Engage in trouble...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Help us design and optimize flight controllers for advanced drone systems. Collaborate closely with a small team to model, test, and refine control systems, ensuring robust performance in real-world a...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$71K - $100K *

Contribute to the advancement of aerospace innovation by supporting flight testing and collaborating across engineering disciplines. You’ll engage with multiple platforms and enhance processes to ensu...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.