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.

1,000+

Propulsion Engineer Jobs

Average Salary: $114,284

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Top companies hiring for Propulsion Engineer

Northrop Grumman Sargent & Lundy Lockheed Martin United Launch Alliance Parsons Electric Boats Blue Origin Motivepower, Inc Amentum General Motors SAIC Firefly Space Systems GE Vernova Canoo Honeywell

Top similar job titles to Propulsion Engineer

Mechanical Engineer jobs Propulsion Engineer jobs Senior Mechanical Engineer jobs Project Engineer jobs Principal Engineer jobs Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs Senior Systems Engineer jobs Electrical Engineer jobs Lead Mechanical Engineer jobs Senior Electrical Engineer jobs Principal Electrical Engineer jobs Systems Engineer jobs Structural Engineer jobs Mechanical Design Engineer jobs Engineering Manager jobs

Top cities hiring for Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX jobs Los Angeles, CA jobs Huntsville, AL jobs El Segundo, CA jobs San Diego, CA jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Long Beach, CA jobs Seattle, WA jobs Groton, CT jobs Aurora, CO jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.