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.
Rail and Transit Sr Technical Director - Traction Power
$176K - $332K *
Lead the charge in advancing rail electrification projects across the U.S. West Region. Drive technical excellence, manage project delivery, and mentor a high-performing team while fostering client re...
1 week ago
Thermal & Structural Materials Engineer
$104K - $194K *
Engage in advanced thermal-structural analysis for hypersonic and unmanned air vehicles. Lead design, modeling, and testing efforts to ensure high-performance systems in extreme environments, collabor...
1 week ago
$91K - $140K *
Transform the future of aviation by solving complex loads and dynamics challenges for supersonic and hypersonic aircraft, collaborating across teams to ensure safety and performance through rigorous a...
4 weeks ago
Principal Naval Architect / Marine Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform marine engineering solutions as a senior authority leading complex projects. Drive vessel designs and shore infrastructure while providing critical oversight on safety, compliance, and opera...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Design Group - Designer - Engine Team
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation by creating high-quality NX models and collaborating with engineering teams to design next-gen propulsion systems. This role demands detail-oriented expertise in CAD and a passion for...
1 week ago
$83K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering in data centers. Collaborate on design, construction, and commissioning while developing AI tools to enhance efficiency. This role offer...
6 days ago
Transportation Design Engineer - Project Manager
$125K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading complex transportation design projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring high-quality delivery from concept to construction while fostering client relationshi...
1 week ago
Transportation Design Engineer - Project Manager
$140K - $170K *
Lead impactful transportation design projects, managing all phases from concept to construction. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions while mentoring talent and ens...
1 week ago
Transportation Design Engineer - Project Manager
$125K - $155K *
Manage and lead complex transportation design projects, ensuring high-quality delivery from planning to construction. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to enhance transportation sys...
1 week ago
Experienced / Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer
$103K - $171K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of air vehicle design through advanced loads and dynamics analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure optimal performance and safety in flight environments, wh...
6 days ago
Principal Electrical Power Batteries & Controls Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Optimize energy storage systems for high reliability in space applications. Lead requirements definition, analysis, and verification processes to ensure integration with spacecraft systems, supporting...
4 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer (Controls and Infrastructure)
$100K - $140K *
Innovate cutting-edge electrical control systems for unique experimental machines. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and test hardware, ensuring safety and reliability in high...
Yesterday
Principal Hypersonic Flight Test Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Advance hypersonic technology by leading flight test initiatives, developing test plans, and coordinating with defense stakeholders to ensure successful execution and readiness in a dynamic environmen...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate network engineering capabilities by providing comprehensive support across the lifecycle of tactical network systems, ensuring secure information exchange and compliance within multidisciplina...
1 week ago
Space Payload Systems/Principal Systems Engineer
$87K - $131K *
Champion systems engineering efforts for space subsystems and payloads, overseeing full lifecycle processes from mission design to operational support, ensuring integration, verification, and validati...
Reposted 1 week ago
Guidance Navigation Controls Engineer
$79K - $137K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge guidance, navigation, and control systems for air vehicles, enhancing performance and stability through innovative algorithms and sim...
1 week ago
$101K - $126K *
Inspire innovative mechanical engineering solutions for complex HVAC projects while mentoring teams, managing project scopes, and ensuring compliance with standards in a supportive environment where p...
Reposted 6 days ago
$101K - $126K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative mechanical HVAC systems for high-density environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring engineering staff and ensuring compliance with...
Reposted 6 days ago
$101K - $126K *
Shape the future of mechanical engineering by leading HVAC design projects, mentoring staff, and delivering high-quality, code-compliant solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to m...
Reposted 6 days ago
$101K - $126K *
Transform complex engineering projects as a Mechanical Engineer, overseeing HVAC and mechanical system design in a collaborative environment while mentoring emerging talent. Drive innovative solutions...
Reposted 6 days ago
Systems Engineer - SLS Upper Stage (ES4)
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of aerospace by providing systems engineering and integration support for the Space Launch System Upper Stage. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure mission success through effecti...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $170K *
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to manage system requirements, support verification and validation, and drive product goals. Lead systems engineering efforts to ensure successful execution an...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to the successful execution of complex subsea projects through innovative design, rigorous analysis, and effective collaboration. Engage in all project phases, from conceptual development t...
4 weeks ago
Reactor or Fuel Design Engineer
$126K - $157K *
Pioneer advanced engineering solutions to enhance reactor safety and efficiency. Collaborate with teams to analyze core behavior, design fuel assemblies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standard...
3 days ago
Maritime Technical Operations Engineer
$99K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to support global operations of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Your expertise will drive product deployment, troubleshooting, and technical guidance, enhancing customer sat...
Reposted 3 weeks 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.