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.
$232K - $319K *
Lead a team that drives innovation and efficiency in engineering. Utilize your expertise to oversee product development, manage technical baselines, and ensure alignment with business strategies while...
Today
$300K - $350K *
Elevate brand vision by crafting a cohesive look and feel across products, marketing, and digital platforms. Collaborate with a small team to design user-centric experiences and develop features swift...
3 weeks ago
$89K - $110K *
Design and develop electromechanical systems by applying engineering principles, conducting tests, and ensuring quality. Collaborate on prototypes and support assembly processes to enhance innovative...
Reposted yesterday
$89K - $110K *
Shape the future of electromechanical systems by applying your engineering expertise in design, analysis, and quality testing. Collaborate with diverse teams to solve complex challenges in power gener...
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$89K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team applying electrical and mechanical principles to design, test, and construct electromechanical systems. Engage with innovative projects involving assembly, analysis, and quality te...
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$89K - $110K *
Elevate project delivery by applying your engineering expertise to develop and test innovative electromechanical systems for cutting-edge naval technologies and collaborate with a dynamic team to achi...
Reposted yesterday
$89K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating electromechanical systems through design, assembly, and quality testing. Collaborate on prototypes and enhance your engineering skills in a dynamic environme...
Yesterday
$89K - $110K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of propulsion plant systems through innovative obsolescence management, supporting engineering teams, and improving processes to ensure material reliability and e...
Reposted 2 days ago
$89K - $110K *
Pioneer advanced acoustic analysis within a dynamic team, applying engineering principles to develop and test innovative electromechanical systems while ensuring quality and thorough documentation...
Reposted 3 days ago
Flight Engineer (Associate, Experienced, Senior)
$79K - $185K *
Shape the future of aerospace by translating customer needs into innovative flight systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle integration challenges and drive projects from concept to...
5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive your career with innovative manufacturing solutions that optimize processes, enhance product quality, and ensure robust operational strategies in a dynamic team environment focused on remanufact...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Unlock your potential as a Principal Systems Engineer, driving innovative solutions for advanced space payloads. Collaborate across teams to define system architectures and ensure mission success in c...
1 week ago
$114K - $171K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable data ecosystems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative AI solutions and ensuring data governance and qualit...
Yesterday
$150K - $200K *
Drive innovation by owning the system model for autonomous aircraft, translating mission needs into clear requirements, and ensuring design decisions are data-driven. Collaborate across teams to enhan...
1 week ago
$90K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading complex control system projects, providing engineering expertise, and ensuring exceptional customer service. Collaborate with teams to deliver projects on time and within b...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Engineer/ Sr. Principal Engineer Systems
$98K - $184K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on systems engineering for multi-domain command and control. Drive technical execution, manage project costs, and collaborate across teams to achi...
Reposted 1 week ago
General Interdisciplinary Engineer (Journeyman)
$132K - $142K *
Lead innovative engineering solutions by tackling complex challenges and advancing program methodologies. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance standards and drive impactful projects within a dyna...
Reposted 6 days ago
$101K - $152K *
Shape innovative engineering solutions by designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and apply technical expertise to enhance product perform...
3 days ago
$101K - $152K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that designs and improves engineering systems. Utilize your expertise to analyze, develop, and manage projects while ensuring quality and compliance in a fas...
6 days ago
$111K - $167K *
Join a dynamic team to design, analyze, and improve engineering systems while managing projects and ensuring compliance with standards. Utilize your expertise to tackle complex challenges and drive in...
6 days ago
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Transform engineering concepts into reality by designing, analyzing, and improving systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and ensure compliance through effective communication and prob...
6 days ago
$91K - $137K *
Contribute to innovative engineering solutions by designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and apply your expertise to enhance product perf...
1 week ago
Mechanical Design Engineer, Ground Systems
$105K - $140K *
Design and develop innovative ground systems for next-gen defense platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, efficient solutions while optimizing for safety, cost, and per...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer Electronics
$114K - $171K *
Drive technical leadership in the lifecycle of complex electronic assemblies, ensuring quality and reliability through collaboration and innovative problem-solving in a dynamic engineering environment...
1 week ago
Naval Architect - Steel and Aluminum Vessel Design
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Engage in the design and construction of commercial and government vessels, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing vessel performance through collaboration with engineering teams and shipy...
1 week 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.