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

$134K - $201K *

Shape the future of energy infrastructure by leading complex mechanical system designs for large-scale projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure complianc...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$118K - $180K *

Drive the successful execution of complex nuclear projects, ensuring alignment across multidisciplinary teams while managing scope, schedule, and budget. Lead from initiation to closeout, promoting sa...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$170K - $210K *

Join a dynamic team as a Principal PCB Design Engineer, leading complex board designs and driving best practices in aerospace applications. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality, reliable de...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $150K *

Transform the future of propulsion by guiding engine cycle models, validating data, and collaborating with design teams to innovate high-performance turbine engines. This role offers a chance to shape...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative solutions in static stress analysis for aircraft structures, collaborating with design teams to enhance performance and safety. Utilize advanced engineering principles to tackle compl...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Elevate your career by solving complex static stress analysis challenges for aircraft structures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance design solutions, ensuring high perfor...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by tackling complex static stress analysis for aircraft structures. Collaborate with design teams to innovate solutions, ensuring high strength-to-weight ratios while guiding advanced...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $170K *

Lead complex control system projects in energy sectors, providing technical expertise and project oversight. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely delivery, mentor engineers, and drive quality stand...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $170K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative control systems projects in energy. Collaborate with teams to deliver exceptional solutions while mentoring engineers and driving quality standards across mul...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $170K *

Lead complex control systems engineering projects in energy sectors, driving technical excellence and collaboration. Mentor teams, engage with clients, and ensure project success through innovative so...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $170K *

Champion energy innovation by leading control systems projects, driving technical excellence and collaboration across teams. Leverage 10+ years of experience to mentor engineers and enhance client rel...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $170K *

Join a team that's pioneering energy solutions; leverage your expertise in control systems engineering to lead projects and mentor engineers, driving innovation in thermal and electrical energy applic...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive growth and technical excellence by leading our hydropower electrical team, overseeing project management, fostering career development, and ensuring high-quality delivery across diverse projects...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $210K *

Engineer robust test strategies and execute them for power conversion products, ensuring reliable performance through rigorous validation and cross-functional collaboration. Drive real-time troublesho...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$145K - $150K *

Shape the future of manufacturing engineering by leading the transition of complex products from design to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness and drive...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$58K - $108K *

Champion your career by developing innovative mechanical designs and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure excellence in product development and integration. Drive impactful solutions in...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Elevate your career by leading mechanical engineering projects, ensuring safety and efficiency while collaborating across disciplines. Drive innovation in energy and environmental solutions with a foc...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Optimize project outcomes by leading technical excellence across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring effective communication and cost management throughout all project phases to drive profitabi...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of nuclear safety by overseeing reactor systems, ensuring compliance with standards, and driving design improvements to support advanced micro-reactor demonstrato...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$108K - $135K *

Transform your engineering expertise by designing complex mechanical systems, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure timely, budget-conscious project delivery that meets industry standards and cli...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $150K *

Manage complex CAD assemblies and model Class A surfaces, overseeing hardware from concept to manufacturing while collaborating with suppliers to support innovative marine products...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$118K - $224K *

Elevate innovation by joining a dynamic team focused on signal processing, control systems, and real-world applications. Collaborate with experts to develop cutting-edge solutions that address complex...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Drive impactful engineering solutions by leading a multidisciplinary team in delivering innovative projects across water and transportation sectors, ensuring quality and efficiency within budget and t...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $180K *

Lead the charge in optimizing production processes while managing a skilled engineering team. Drive continuous improvements, enhance product quality, and ensure manufacturing efficiency within a dynam...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$78K - $128K *

Elevate your career as a Performance Engineer, driving engine design and simulation. Collaborate with diverse teams to analyze propulsion systems, ensuring compliance and performance excellence in inn...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.