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.
Intermediate Ground Test Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by supporting Missile Defense ground test planning and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage test documentation, and provide critical support to mission leaders i...
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Lead a dynamic team of thermal engineers, overseeing design and analysis for diverse environments. Drive innovation, manage performance, and ensure project success while fostering employee development...
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Senior in service engineer (MRB)
$100K - $120K *
Join our team to provide expert technical support and innovative solutions for landing gear systems, driving improvements and ensuring safety in aerospace operations while mentoring junior engineers a...
2 days ago
Transportation Design Engineer
$115K - $150K *
Grow your career by leading transportation design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior engineers. Drive impactful infrastructure solutions while managing budgets...
2 days ago
$85K - $98K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing innovative UV Curing systems. As a Mechanical Engineer, you'll develop and qualify electromechanical components, collaborating with experts to advance sustain...
Yesterday
Manufacturing Engineer II - TPA
$100K - $138K *
Transform manufacturing processes by developing and implementing innovative solutions for turbopump assembly, ensuring quality and efficiency in production while collaborating with cross-functional te...
1 week ago
Principal Cryogenics Design Engineer
$107K - $204K *
Advance cryogenics systems design and analysis, collaborating with multi-discipline teams to support military infrared sensor programs. Utilize expertise in high-pressure gas assemblies and troublesho...
Reposted 2 days ago
$79K - $147K *
Shape the future of strategic defense by leading engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance and budget goa...
3 days ago
$70K - $130K *
Drive project success by orchestrating activities across initiatives, translating technical concepts into actionable plans, and ensuring alignment with cost and schedule targets for optimal project de...
1 week ago
Mission Design and Flight Dynamics Manager
$170K - $230K *
Champion the design and dynamics of space missions. Lead a skilled team while collaborating with various departments to deliver innovative and executable mission concepts from inception to operational...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the structural and aerodynamic design of a cutting-edge aerospace platform, overseeing all phases from concept to certification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design integrity...
2 weeks ago
$144K - $176K *
Lead the charge in designing and engineering MV/LV electrical systems for advanced nuclear facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure power system integrity, supporting production...
1 week ago
Senior Aerospace Project Engineer
$140K - $180K *
Drive project success by overseeing aerospace initiatives, ensuring timely deliverables and budget adherence while collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to meet federal and commercial cont...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by providing engineering support for complex systems integration, ensuring compliance with standards while managing interfaces and user requirements. Collaborate on assessments and te...
6 days ago
Engineering Operations Lead (MDA)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in operational integration and technical synchronization for missile defense systems. Manage executive engineering rhythms, coordinate lifecycle documentation, and facilitate cross-dir...
3 days ago
Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload
$110K - $167K *
Innovate in satellite payload engineering by leading the design and optimization of operational solutions for GEO and MEO missions, enhancing performance monitoring, and supporting spacecraft operatio...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion the technical execution of projects, fostering collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance gas turbine system conversions, managing timelines, design, and installation, while driving...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Space Vehicle Chief Engineer (Level 7)
$212K - $318K *
Elevate your career by leading engineering efforts for advanced space vehicles, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and driving technical performance to deliver exceptional products that exceed cost an...
Reposted 1 week ago
Mechanical Integration Mechanical Lead Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Transform mechanical integration processes as a key contributor to innovative railway projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure quality, cost, and delivery compliance while enhancing continuo...
Reposted 2 days ago
Chief Engineer V - Team Manager
$153K - $199K *
Lead the charge in managing multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success in solid rocket propulsion systems, overseeing complex engineering processes while aligning technical execution with budge...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mission Operations Sustainment Engineer, MUSV
$110K - $130K *
Manage and lead the sustainment of advanced autonomous vessels, ensuring operational readiness through hands-on maintenance, technician training, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance design r...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$89K - $134K *
Unlock your potential by leading cross-functional engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive new product development and enhance cust...
1 week ago
$153K - $230K *
Transform engineering design processes by leading the development of complex systems, enhancing product quality, and collaborating across teams to drive innovation and efficiency in manufacturing oper...
1 week ago
Principal Electrical Engineer - RF
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to groundbreaking fusion energy projects by designing and implementing advanced RF circuits and diagnostic systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize performance and drive innovati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - ATE
$130K - $160K *
Transform the future of power electronics by designing and validating innovative systems. Collaborate across functions to optimize product performance and ensure seamless integration from concept to m...
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.