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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$95K - $115K *

Empower innovation by executing advanced CAE analyses to enhance propulsion systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product performance, efficiency, and quality in electric and hybri...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Develop propulsion systems by leading tank architecture from ideation to qualification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize designs and ensure performance, while mentoring early-career...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $231K *

Lead multidisciplinary teams in developing advanced electric propulsion systems for undersea vehicles. Oversee design, integration, and testing of high-power motors and controllers, ensuring complianc...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$121K - $231K *

Shape the future of undersea propulsion systems by leading innovative engineering teams. Oversee design, integration, and testing of advanced electric and hybrid systems, ensuring high performance for...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $150K *

Contribute to program leadership in propulsion development, ensuring alignment with business goals, cross-functional collaboration, and effective execution of schedules and budgets in a dynamic startu...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of electric propulsion by leading Hall-effect thruster development. In this pivotal role, you'll drive design, testing, and production strategies while mentoring engineers and shaping...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$136K - $184K *

Accelerate your career by driving innovation in spacecraft propulsion technologies. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to influence design, testing, and production of advanced electric propulsi...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $115K *

Develop and execute advanced CAE analyses to optimize propulsion systems, collaborating across teams to enhance performance, quality, and efficiency in various vehicle technologies while driving innov...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of propulsion systems by executing advanced CAE analyses and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance, quality, and efficiency in cutting-edge vehicle...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of mechanical systems for innovative space applications, leading projects from design to deployment. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure integration and performance excellence in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $230K *

Transform the landscape of propulsion technology by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on innovation, strategy execution, and continuous improvement. Drive excellence and collaboration to meet...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Lead the mechanical design and performance of high-speed turbomachinery, ensuring technical excellence and reliability within advanced nuclear systems. Collaborate with multi-functional teams to innov...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Innovate high-performance fluid components for aerospace systems, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from design to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission efficien...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of advanced propulsion and fuel systems integration, leading FAA certification efforts and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with teams to optimize design and performance while driving i...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Empower the future of UAV navigation by developing advanced sensor fusion algorithms and integrating cutting-edge navigational aids. Collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance vehicle pose estim...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $101K *

Elevate your engineering career by supporting cutting-edge rocket propulsion projects. Collaborate with a talented team to enhance military technology while gaining invaluable experience in testing, a...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Contribute to mission success by designing and operating testbeds for avionics, propulsion, and embedded systems testing, ensuring rigorous validation in real-world simulations and cutting-edge techno...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive the design and development of high-performance propulsion components, overseeing the entire lifecycle from conception to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission ef...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation in precision fluid component design, from conception to production, ensuring high performance and reliability for diverse aerospace systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of aerospace by supporting the design and certification of turbofan propulsion and fuel systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career as you design, prototype, and deploy innovative electronics, solving challenges across PCB design and system integration, advancing hardware products from concept to production with...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $185K *

Join a dynamic team as a Propulsion Systems Engineer, where you'll define and design propulsion components for advanced aerospace systems, ensuring reliability and performance in a fast-paced environm...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Champion innovative propulsion system designs for strategic missions, leading projects from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality solutions that meet customer needs in a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Engineer innovative propulsion systems for strategic missions, leading design from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality outputs and mentor junior engineers while addres...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Transform your career as a propulsion systems engineer, leading innovative designs for chemical propulsion systems. Collaborate on high-rate production projects, ensuring quality and compliance while...

2 weeks 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.