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.
$100K - $140K *
Transform your career by leading spacecraft testing initiatives, enhancing processes, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure the success of cutting-edge aerospace projects. Drive innovation an...
2 weeks ago
$185K - $280K *
Drive the design and development of advanced propulsion systems for spacecraft, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance and reliability. Shape the future of space exploration...
2 weeks ago
$185K - $280K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by designing, building, and testing advanced propulsion systems. Leverage your expertise to mentor engineers and collaborate across disciplin...
2 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer, Non-Destructive Evaluation (Raptor)
$100K - $160K *
Develop innovative NDE inspection methods to enhance Raptor Engine reliability. Collaborate with engineers to integrate advanced techniques, optimize production processes, and ensure mission success t...
6 days ago
Senior Electric Propulsion Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Innovate your engineering career by guiding electric propulsion system design, integrating and testing cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with diverse teams to ensure optimal performance an...
1 month ago
Aerospace Engineer - Flight Performance
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's pioneering the future of aerospace by designing hypersonic flight vehicles and launch systems. Collaborate with experts to optimize flight performance and trajectory, ensuring innov...
2 days ago
Sr. Thermal & Propulsion Engineer
$130K - $170K *
Transform propulsion and thermal-fluid systems for spacecraft design. Own the full lifecycle from concept to assembly, engage with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative hardware solutions that...
3 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Ground Fluids
$140K - $179K *
Shape the future of ground fluid systems as a technical authority, overseeing design, build, and operations. Lead propellant loading campaigns, define processes, and mentor engineers while driving inn...
2 weeks ago
Principal Turbomachinery Engineer
$175K - $200K *
Empower the future of spacecraft technology by leading turbomachinery designs and analyses. Collaborate across engineering domains to develop active thermal control systems critical for space missions...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate innovation in materials engineering by developing and qualifying reactor materials. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive tests and optimize processes ensuring safety and performanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$210K - $250K *
Lead the development of a cutting-edge orbital transfer vehicle, overseeing all technical aspects from design to flight. Collaborate with teams and manage suppliers to ensure successful integration an...
2 days ago
Propulsion Engineer - Thermo-Mechanical Analysis
$121K - $169K *
Unlock your potential by leading the thermo-mechanical modeling of cutting-edge rotating hardware for advanced propulsion systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure optimal performance and reliabilit...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer - Thermo-Mechanical Analysis
$121K - $169K *
Bring your expertise to our innovative engineering team, modeling large-scale rotating hardware to enhance propulsion systems for rockets. Collaborate across disciplines to drive design improvements a...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive the design and development of cutting-edge hypersonic flight vehicles and launch systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize aerodynamic performance through advanced modeling...
Today
Principal Mechanical Engineer, Cargo Systems
$190K - $235K *
Lead the charge in integrating complex mechanical systems for innovative space vehicles. Collaborate across teams to transform conceptual designs into manufacturable products, ensuring all subsystems...
3 weeks ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer, Cargo Systems
$190K - $235K *
Drive innovation as a mechanical engineer, leading the design and integration of a cutting-edge cargo vehicle. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure a cohesive manufacturing process from concept to...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform vessel management by leading maintenance strategies, coordinating inspections, and driving compliance for optimal performance in a dynamic marine engineering environment...
4 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer, Power Systems
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative power systems for aviation and ground applications. In this hands-on role, you'll lead the design and validation of medium-voltage electrical systems, ensuring...
6 days ago
Senior Propulsion Development Engineer - Turbopumps
$107K - $195K *
Shape the future of propulsion systems by leading turbopump development for liquid rocket engines. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, analyze, and optimize critical hardware, ensuring performa...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by applying your expertise in advanced simulation and CAE analyses to enhance propulsion system design and performance across diverse vehicle technologies, collaborating with cross-fu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate propulsion engineering by leveraging advanced CAE analyses for cutting-edge vehicle systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and expedite development acr...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by executing advanced CAE analyses to enhance propulsion systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product performance, efficiency, and quality in electric and hybri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Tanks
$125K - $150K *
Develop propulsion systems by leading tank architecture from ideation to qualification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize designs and ensure performance, while mentoring early-career...
3 weeks ago
Electric Propulsion and Power Systems Engineers
$121K - $231K *
Lead multidisciplinary teams in developing advanced electric propulsion systems for undersea vehicles. Oversee design, integration, and testing of high-power motors and controllers, ensuring complianc...
2 weeks ago
Electric Propulsion and Power Systems Engineers
$121K - $231K *
Shape the future of undersea propulsion systems by leading innovative engineering teams. Oversee design, integration, and testing of advanced electric and hybrid systems, ensuring high performance for...
2 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.