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.
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering projects, collaborating with a dynamic team to design and analyze structures for nuclear facilities. Utilize advanced software and guide junior engineers whil...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of clean energy through innovative structural engineering. Collaborate on diverse projects, mentor junior engineers, and utilize advanced tools to design and anal...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Shape the future of clean energy by leading structural engineering projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team, mentor junior engineers, and apply your expertise in nuclear facility design and analysis...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of clean energy by applying your structural engineering expertise. Collaborate on diverse projects, guide junior engineers, and utilize advanced tools to design a...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Systems Engineer - Experienced
$95K - $115K *
Transform manufacturing operations by bridging technical solutions and business needs. Analyze processes, implement scalable systems, and enhance efficiency in high-volume environments while collabora...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as you tackle complex electrical engineering challenges, providing critical support for advanced water management systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational e...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that empowers engineering excellence by providing critical electrical support for complex water management systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency through innovative design, troublesh...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering projects, collaborating with a dynamic team to design and analyze structures for nuclear facilities, while mentoring junior engineers and utilizing advanced s...
1 week ago
$120K - $140K *
Transform facility operations by leading key capital projects while driving process improvements that enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency in manufacturing and chemical processing environments...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Power Systems
$125K - $158K *
Engineer the electrical architecture for a cutting-edge gas turbine system, overseeing power distribution, protection, and controls. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration and p...
1 week ago
Lead OR Principal Product Manager
$126K - $277K *
Drive the vision and execution of predictive maintenance solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product strategy and deliver exceptional customer value while leveraging advanc...
Reposted today
Lead OR Principal Product Manager
$126K - $277K *
Shape the future of predictive maintenance solutions by driving product strategy, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring exceptional customer value through innovative product manageme...
Reposted today
Electromechanical Design Engineer
$87K - $131K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of electromechanical design through innovative RF and mixed signal technologies. Collaborate across functions to deliver cutting-edge solutions while mentoring th...
1 week ago
$140K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining the future of electric vehicles by developing and verifying robust high and low voltage systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and safety...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$79K - $112K *
Advance engineering excellence by reviewing designs, performing calculations, and supporting procurement efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality thermal transfer solut...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join us in shaping the future of aerospace manufacturing by developing and managing complex processes from design to production. Your expertise will drive efficiency and quality in our operations, ens...
Today
Quality Engineer - Spacecraft Manufacturing
$90K - $173K *
Optimize supplier performance and quality in a dynamic aerospace environment. Lead critical supplier assessments from qualification to delivery, ensuring compliance with high engineering standards and...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$165K - $199K *
Champion innovative mechanical engineering solutions to enhance product performance and reliability. Collaborate cross-functionally to tackle complex challenges and drive continuous improvement throug...
3 days ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$165K - $199K *
Shape the future of mechanical engineering by leading complex analyses and developing innovative solutions for advanced systems and products. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance, rel...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$158K - $189K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge mechanical systems for aerospace applications, overseeing projects from concept to field support while ensuring compliance with industry standard...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
$158K - $189K *
Transform spacecraft development by leading a team of engineers in mechanical design, ensuring robust solutions from concept to orbit. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative satellite ha...
2 weeks ago
Principal System Safety Engineer
$107K - $204K *
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive safety programs, ensuring compliance with military standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system safety and reliability throu...
Today
Principal Applied Robotics Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Engineer cutting-edge robotics solutions, leading technical direction and innovation across enterprise initiatives. Collaborate with research scientists to enhance robotic behavior, autonomy, and inte...
2 days ago
Electrical Engineer 4 - Washington State Ferries
$100K - $135K *
Elevate your career by applying your maritime electrical engineering expertise to enhance the safety and reliability of Washington's ferry fleet. Join a dedicated team focused on innovative vessel mod...
3 days ago
Mechanical Engineer - Hydropower
$120K - $201K *
Unlock potential by leading hydropower projects from design to completion, overseeing complex systems like hydro turbines and dams. Engage in client collaborations and provide technical guidance to dr...
Reposted 3 days 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.