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.
$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...
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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
$85K - $100K *
Elevate your career by designing innovative electrical systems for diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, providing expertise in design, specifications, and project management, wh...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $102K *
Grow your career with an innovative team where you'll design and lead diverse electrical projects, collaborate across disciplines, and mentor junior staff while ensuring quality and efficiency in ever...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Design integrated electrical systems for diverse projects, ensuring optimal performance and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior staff while driving proje...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive transformative electrical design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective and innovative solutions. Your expertise will guide efficient project execution from con...
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$105K - $125K *
Collaborate with architects and engineers to design cutting-edge electrical systems for diverse building projects, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to industry standards throughout all proj...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of transportation by managing complex highway projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to deliver innovative designs and collaborate across disciplines in a...
4 days ago
$90K - $130K *
Shape the future of transportation engineering by leading design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring quality and efficiency in roadway and bridge projects while mentorin...
4 days ago
Principal Mechanical Engineer, Factory Automation
$185K - $277K *
Advance your career by designing innovative tools and automation systems for manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop high-quality solutions that enhance production efficiency...
4 weeks ago
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of power systems by leading innovative mechanical design projects for AI and datacenter technologies. Drive product development from concept to manufacturing while ensuring performanc...
1 month ago
$115K - $120K *
Lead complex engineering projects by defining scope, managing resources, and ensuring technical feasibility. Collaborate with stakeholders for timely completion and risk management. Oversee project pe...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Structural Design Engineer (20+ Years Experience)
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative bridge and structural solutions while mentoring emerging engineers. Oversee complex projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance, while fostering col...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Elevate structural engineering excellence by conducting thorough analyses, preparing documentation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with certification standards and...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative instrumentation and control systems for advanced fuel fabrication. Collaborate across disciplines to optimize automation solutions, ensuring safety and efficiency in prototype and...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Power System Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of space power systems by engaging in dynamic projects requiring analysis, design, and collaboration. You will grow in responsibility while working on real flight hardware for a comme...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate the future of Navy electronics by designing state-of-the-art circuit cards and developing precision test procedures while collaborating with engineers to enhance system performance and reliab...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Structural Dynamics Analyst, Deployable Antenna Structures
$140K - $210K *
Advance your career by owning the structural analysis for a cutting-edge deployable spacecraft antenna. Collaborate with teams to ensure performance and compliance while leading model-test correlation...
Today
$80K - $115K *
Transform the future of building design by developing innovative electrical solutions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with codes and standards throughout all proje...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by leading engineering projects, coordinating teams, and enhancing technical expertise while ensuring compliance with safety standards and managing project performance effectively...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading complex design projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring adherence to specifications. Leverage extensive shipbuilding expertise to solve technical challenges and...
Yesterday
Cryogenics Mechanical Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Engineer cutting-edge cryogenic systems, ensuring design integrity and operational excellence. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to develop and maintain critical mechanical systems, enhancing...
1 week ago
Mechanical Design Engineer, Senior
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure innovative solutions meet stringent requirements and drive pr...
3 days 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.