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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$80K - $120K *

Lead the charge in resolving production-related technical issues, collaborating across teams to ensure compliant and efficient build processes while driving continuous improvement and supporting produ...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Drive technical excellence in non-standard ammunition projects, ensuring compliance and performance through effective leadership of Integrated Product Teams and rigorous assessments of engineering doc...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $239K *

Drive project excellence as a Project Engineer, collaborating with diverse teams to manage technical scope, cost, and schedule while ensuring alignment with program objectives and delivering value-foc...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $269K *

Manage project execution for the Fleet Ballistic Missiles program, collaborating with Navy and Lockheed Martin stakeholders to drive risk management and program success through effective communication...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$129K - $239K *

Lead the execution of engineering projects within the FBM program, collaborating with Navy stakeholders to drive program success, manage risks, and ensure compliance with engineering standards and cus...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $213K *

Advance your career by driving innovation in Reliability Engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to perform analyses, support design verification, and enhance system reliability for avion...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$138K - $187K *

Engineer cutting-edge electrical power architectures for next-gen supersonic and hypersonic aircraft. Lead design, testing, and integration efforts while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $280K *

Oversee the design and development of advanced radar systems, focusing on signal processing algorithms for target detection and tracking. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize performa...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $110K *

Drive project success by managing engineering initiatives from kickoff to delivery, ensuring quality and compliance while coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining clear communication with s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$63K - $111K *

Transform your career by providing critical engineering solutions for naval surface gun systems. Collaborate on power distribution, enhance system efficiency, and lead design decisions in a dynamic en...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative solutions by analyzing complex systems requirements, ensuring integration and testing for optimum performance, and guiding technical documentation throughout the lifecycle to enhan...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive impactful water and wastewater projects by leading technical design and team development. Leverage your engineering expertise to ensure high-quality outcomes while managing resources and fosteri...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Transform water and wastewater engineering through technical leadership and team development. Oversee project delivery while mentoring early-career engineers, ensuring high-quality outcomes and effect...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$102K - $123K *

Advance robotic systems engineering by developing simulation software and tools for space exploration. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance flight operations and ensure safe command validation f...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $175K *

Join a team that's tackling complex IT governance and integration challenges. You'll provide technical expertise to ensure systems and processes align across major programs, driving mission success th...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$169K - $253K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of underwater systems through innovative mechanical engineering. Collaborate on design, integration, and testing to deliver cutting-edge solutions in a fast-paced...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$109K - $130K *

Unlock potential by evaluating and selecting electronic components for space missions, ensuring reliability and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and integrate advanced avionics systems. Lead multi-disciplinary engineering efforts, establish client requirements, and utilize Model Based Systems Engineering to drive...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of avionics by leading multi-disciplinary engineering efforts to develop and integrate complex flight systems, ensuring client satisfaction and technical excellen...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Pioneer innovative GNC solutions for spacecraft missions, conducting analysis, design, and testing of algorithms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and mentor junior engin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Pioneer transformative data solutions by automating evaluations and building immersive environments that redefine enterprise capabilities and training methods for cutting-edge labs and real-world appl...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $138K *

Shape the future of engineering leadership by managing Nacelle and Engine programs, enhancing designs, and orchestrating cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Lead engineering programs, manage teams, and drive innovative solutions in Nacelle and Engine Build Up projects while collaborating with cross-functional groups and overseeing deliverables to meet tec...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Join a team that's advancing space hardware systems through innovative mechanical design. Collaborate across disciplines to take flight hardware from concept to delivery, solving complex challenges in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Analyze and optimize structural integrity for lunar lander systems, ensuring compliance with design standards and conducting risk assessments. Collaborate with commercial providers to enhance structur...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.