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.
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$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
Mechanical Engineer V - Team Manager
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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
Electrical/Solar Engineer- Summer 2027
$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
Mechanical Engineer, Design B (NPG) - 519007
$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
$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
Principal / Senior Principal Navigation Systems Engineer
$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
Deputy Program Engineer, Hypersonic Strike
$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
Senior Electrical Engineer, Maritime
$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
Senior Design Engineer, Solid Rocket Motor Ignition Systems
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Spaceflight Hardware Project Manager - Structures Division
$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
Mechanical Engineering Manager 2
$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
Mechanical Engineering Manager 2
$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
$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
Process Engineer - Gears and Shafts
$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
Senior Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$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
Senior Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$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
Senior Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$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...
1 week ago
$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
$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
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.