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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Seattle, WARemote

3 days ago

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading mechanical design efforts for hypersonic vehicle payload integration. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address technical challenges and mentor junior engineers w...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $110K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of transportation infrastructure. As a Project Engineer, you will collaborate on a variety of innovative projects, enhancing your technical skills and gaining com...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $205K *

Drive innovation as a Senior Controls Engineer, leading complex projects and mentoring junior staff. You'll develop execution strategies, manage equipment deployment, and provide technical leadership...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $165K *

Elevate our engineering capabilities by leading a dynamic team focused on electric motors and controls. Drive innovation, optimize processes, and ensure project success while fostering collaboration a...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Engage with us to design and test innovative electrical systems for complex autonomous platforms. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle technical challenges in power management, embedded systems...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $140K *

Join our innovative team to create and validate cutting-edge power electronics products. Drive the design process from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines to optimize per...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in automation excellence, guiding technical teams to develop robust programming standards and procedures while leveraging your semiconductor expertise and proficiency in Aveva and Siem...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of aircraft design by developing innovative mechanical solutions for VIP and large cabin aircraft interiors. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, quality, and...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$118K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of structural engineering by leading diverse projects, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with clients to deliver innovative solutions in industrial and nucle...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a Project Lead Structural Engineer, guiding a team through diverse projects while applying your expertise in structural design and analysis. Collaborate with clients and mento...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in structural analysis for aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges, ensuring the integrity of advanced propulsion...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Advance the efficiency of maintenance operations by optimizing engineering support and compliance. Design and verify automated test equipment for missile defense systems while coordinating with comman...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $120K *

Transform missile control actuation systems by leading technical efforts in production, ensuring design integrity, and collaborating across teams to resolve complex issues while driving continuous imp...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Champion strategic weapon system testing for the COLUMBIA submarine. Lead safety protocols, data evaluation, and cross-department coordination. Ensure efficient test execution while adhering to string...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $136K *

Unlock potential by implementing mission assurance plans to ensure quality and compliance across programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address technical issues and enhance product relia...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Drive quality and mission assurance for a key production program, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, performance, and continuous improvement while managing risks and enhan...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Champion power system analysis by conducting modeling for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards, and delivering high-quality technical reports while managing multiple...

Austin, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Drive advanced computer modeling and analysis for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards while managing multiple projects and fostering team collaboration to enhance gr...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Lead the design and integration of mechanical and control systems for innovative electrochemical technologies, focusing on scalability and performance to enhance resource utilization and drive economi...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $130K *

Transform product development by applying engineering principles to solid-state and electromechanical systems. Collaborate across teams to innovate, troubleshoot, and support products throughout their...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and optimization of roll-reduction mills to enhance manufacturing processes for advanced downhole heater systems while ensuring safety and quality standards are met across all producti...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.