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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Drive innovation in Powertrain testing by executing system-level validation, collaborating with engineers, and enhancing testing methodologies for electric motors and drive units in a dynamic lab envi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Analyze and enhance manufacturing processes in a dynamic environment, supporting the repair of gas turbine components. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring product quality and on-time de...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead a multi-disciplinary team to design and develop advanced UAS solutions, transforming operational needs into scalable architectures and ensuring successful product execution from concept to produc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$78K - $115K *

Drive the design and development of innovative vacuum and heat exchanger systems for naval applications, overseeing projects from concept through manufacture while collaborating with diverse stakehold...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$78K - $115K *

Engage with cross-functional teams to develop and design innovative vacuum and heat exchanger equipment for naval applications, managing projects from conception through manufacturing while ensuring t...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Advance your career by managing complex projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery while maintaining budget and quality standards. Your leadership will drive suc...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$113K - $178K *

Unlock your potential by leading NSSS component design, ensuring adherence to industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate solutions while mentoring less experienced enginee...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Redefine vehicle integrity by building a cohesive Loads & Dynamics team that ensures methodical definitions of forces vehicles endure, supporting structural design and certification through innovative...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$164K - $246K *

Drive advancements in turbine design for aerospace applications, collaborating with propulsion development and manufacturing teams. Own design improvements through the entire product lifecycle to ensu...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $204K *

Innovate solutions in elastomeric materials engineering, tackling complex problems through analysis and collaboration. Engage with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver timely engineering solutions in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$198K - $267K *

Optimize material technologies for innovative products, driving R&D and managing processes in metals and coatings to enhance user experience and ensure product reliability across multiple applications...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$146K - $234K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in systems engineering, overseeing operations, and driving performance excellence across multiple domains while ensuring customer satisfaction and strateg...

Yesterday

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $234K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of engineers, overseeing systems integration and operational excellence while driving performance and strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $170K *

Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Develop and qualify advanced composite materials for aerospace applications, guiding less experienced engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure production continuity and comp...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Drive your career forward by resolving complex plant issues and collaborating with engineering and operations teams to enhance plant reliability and safety. Engage in critical projects and maintain co...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $105K *

Contribute to innovative aerospace manufacturing by designing efficient processes, ensuring quality control, and optimizing supply chain logistics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance p...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $318K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing missile development! In this pivotal leadership role, you will drive technical excellence and innovation for advanced weapons systems, ensuring successful project de...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$212K - $318K *

Engage in a pivotal leadership role driving innovation in missile development. Collaborate with top leaders to deliver game-changing air warfare systems while overseeing engineering processes and ensu...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by applying engineering principles to design, analyze, and test electronic systems. Collaborate on innovative projects, ensuring reliability and safety while providing technical exper...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Optimize engineering execution by leading design integration and managing production deliverables. Drive cross-functional collaboration for vessel construction while ensuring adherence to contract spe...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$78K - $93K *

Join a team that empowers engineering excellence by managing small-scale projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet quality standards, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget w...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive excellence in equipment management by overseeing maintenance, inventory, and safety protocols. Collaborate with project teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance while fostering a cultu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.