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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$139K - $157K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for aerospace manufacturing. Develop and implement quality programs, oversee inspections, and drive continuous improvement for high-reliability spacefligh...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of aerospace by conducting advanced thermal analyses and supporting NASA research. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance propulsion systems and materials, driving innovation in na...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovation by developing mechanical products from concept to production. Engage in hands-on design, prototyping, and testing while collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring diverse commerc...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing mechanical systems for biorefinery operations, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure innovative technologies transition from concept to reliab...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $164K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing reactor safety through advanced thermal-hydraulic stability analyses. Collaborate across disciplines to support operational needs and fuel-related projects fo...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative mechanical engineering projects that enhance performance and drive cost efficiency. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver impactful solutions while engaging...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$89K - $148K *

Elevate aerodynamic design and analysis for turbomachinery products through innovative solutions and strong collaboration. Drive continuous improvements from concept to execution, ensuring high-qualit...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$98K - $147K *

Lead the charge in advanced structural dynamics analysis to enhance aerospace systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex vibration and shock challenges while supporting compre...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Champion the future of transmission planning by designing and automating cloud-based tools that enhance workflows for utilities and developers. Collaborate with engineers to ensure reliable, efficient...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Explore your engineering expertise in designing custom instrumentation and systems. Collaborate on international projects, applying advanced knowledge in electronics, programming, and circuit design t...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$85K - $106K *

Elevate manufacturing excellence by developing and standardizing processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, reduce variation, and ensure quality in fabrication, machinin...

Newington, NHIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as you support the US Coast Guard by designing and evaluating marine auxiliary systems. Collaborate with a dedicated team, enhance your skills, and contribute to vital engineerin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $165K *

Optimize nuclear reactor design by leading critical component development, including neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, and safety. Collaborate with experts in a dynamic environment to innovate and valid...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Drive the establishment and scaling of airframe manufacturing operations, transforming engineering concepts into tangible hardware through hands-on collaboration across teams to ensure quality and eff...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $164K *

Shape the future of marine operations as you oversee the safe and efficient maintenance of tugboat machinery and systems, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and operational excellence...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$153K - $164K *

Oversee the safe and efficient operation of all machinery and systems on the tugboat, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and maintenance standards while coordinating with crew and management fo...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing mechanical components for nuclear reactors at sea. Collaborate across teams to enhance structural integrity under dynamic marine loads while influencing future reactor sy...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Lead and inspire a dynamic team of automotive engineers to bring exceptional exterior components to market on time and on budget while collaborating with design, quality, and supply chain teams to ens...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by managing package procurement engineering, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with specifications while collaborating effectively with suppliers, subcontractors, and cross-func...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $164K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing reactor safety through advanced thermal-hydraulic stability analyses, collaborating across disciplines to support operational needs and innovative fuel design...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $105K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to deliver high-quality project outcomes, ensuring effective communication and integration across all engineering functions while managing schedules, resources, and tec...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic MEP team to tackle diverse projects, mentor staff, and lead initiatives. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and business development while working on innovative desi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Optimize engineering execution and internal capabilities for EPC projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements, quality standards, and financial objectives. Lead a high-performing team while m...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by deploying cutting-edge electrical systems in maritime environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot technologies, ensuring operational su...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform maritime technology by deploying innovative electrical systems in real-world environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot complex systems, ensuring mis...

1 week 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.