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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$120K - $145K *

Innovate advanced ceramic and dielectric materials for high-voltage environments. Lead projects from concept to production, balancing technical challenges with program delivery in a multidisciplinary...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$139K - $209K *

Engage your leadership skills as you manage a dynamic Mechanical CAD drafting team, ensuring technical excellence and timely delivery while fostering employee growth and innovation in a collaborative...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $165K *

Champion safety in innovative nuclear fuel recycling by evaluating hazards, developing safety documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance safety measu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $165K *

Lead the charge in developing safety analysis for a pioneering nuclear fuel recycling facility. Collaborate on hazard evaluations, safety measures, and regulatory compliance to ensure a safe operation...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $155K *

Innovate and lead in developing cutting-edge medical devices, bridging clinical needs with engineering excellence, while growing into a strategic leadership role in a dynamic startup environment...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$149K - $175K *

Join a team that leads mechanical engineering initiatives for Mining, Minerals, and Metals projects. Drive engineering processes from concept to completion, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance wh...

Oakville, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Develop and enhance control software for complex power conversion systems. This hands-on role requires model-based control software expertise and collaboration across engineering teams to ensure relia...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$68K - $98K *

Drive innovation as you collaborate across teams to enhance testing solutions, ensuring quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes while contributing to strategic planning and continuous improv...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$130K - $145K *

Join a team that's driving successful program delivery across multiple value streams. As a key contributor, you'll manage project execution, ensuring objectives are met while interfacing with cross-fu...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $140K *

Transform ship electrical and control systems through design, testing, and client collaboration. Lead teams, ensure quality, and support business development while managing projects and fostering rela...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $140K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of ship electrical systems. Leverage your expertise in design, testing, and project management while mentoring engineers and building client relationships to deli...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$89K - $148K *

Unlock innovative solutions in power technology as you bridge theory and practice. Drive the development of next-gen Power Capacitors and Instrument Transformers, ensuring grid reliability through des...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Engage with cross-functional teams to drive mechanical engineering efforts across program life cycles, ensuring designs meet requirements and support defense initiatives with direct customer interacti...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Transform engineering projects by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring technical excellence and innovation while managing cost, schedule, and quality standards. Drive project success through effec...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Join a dynamic team to lead medium-sized engineering projects, ensuring successful integration of innovative solutions while managing technical specifications, quality standards, and programmatic func...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in engineering projects, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful integration of technical solutions while managing cost, schedule, and quality sta...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $197K *

Drive medium-sized technical projects, integrating engineering solutions and fostering innovation. Lead cross-functional teams, manage programmatic functions, and ensure projects meet specifications...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$137K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to manage electrical projects, optimize facility infrastructure, and ensure safe construction practices. Evaluate and design high-voltage systems while supporting innovative soluti...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for a major platform program, ensuring rigorous management of architecture, requirements, and verification from concep...

Mirabel, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $205K *

Engineer the manufacturing and testing of avionics harnessing, ensuring optimal production processes and collaboration with design teams. Drive reliability, quality and innovation while supporting tec...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform mechanical design processes by leading the development of innovative systems and modifications for enhanced safety and performance in drilling operations, collaborating across disciplines to...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $95K *

Lead maintenance operations and engineering systems for a residential community, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Drive team success through effective management, compliance, and exceptional s...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$119K - $185K *

Join our team to execute innovative Process Systems designs, leading complex projects and mentoring junior engineers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality engineering soluti...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $152K *

Join a team that's enhancing nuclear power generation efficiency by conducting system evaluations, optimizing designs, and collaborating with clients on technical solutions for power uprate projects i...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $152K *

Transform the nuclear power landscape by leading evaluations for uprate projects. Utilize your expertise in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to enhance power plant efficiency and ensure client satis...

6 days 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.