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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$108K - $148K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on process control and automation. Contribute your expertise in troubleshooting and system upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and safety i...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $123K *

Accelerate your career as a Control System Engineer, enhancing operations through automation expertise, compliance focus, and team collaboration at a leading global company dedicated to safety and sus...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Engineer innovative spacecraft mechanisms from concept to flight. Collaborate across disciplines for design, analysis, and testing of critical subsystems ensuring mission success through hands-on deve...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $165K *

Join a team that's redefining aerospace technology by designing high-speed embedded electronics for space hardware. Collaborate across disciplines to innovate and ensure reliability in extreme environ...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $152K *

Drive flight safety analysis and regulatory compliance for aerospace missions. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure safety-critical verification and support live operations, ensuring robust method...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of spacesuit engineering, overseeing design, testing, and certification processes. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure the success of cutting-edge projects tha...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$84K - $94K *

Unlock potential by performing technical analysis and supporting engineering tasks under supervision. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop documentation, solve problems, and validate mechanical s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by leading innovative projects in mining technology. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and optimize processes that enhance plant operations and drive efficiency from c...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$145K - $222K *

Lead a dynamic team in structural engineering, guiding projects for nuclear facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers and clients, leveraging your expertise in design and analysis to dr...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Unlock potential by leading a structural engineering team on diverse projects, guiding design efforts for nuclear facilities, and collaborating with clients and multidisciplinary teams to ensure high...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of clean energy by leading structural engineering projects. You'll mentor a talented team, collaborate with diverse disciplines, and engage directly with clients...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Lead the charge in structural engineering design, guiding a team on diverse projects for nuclear facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients, applying your expertise in materials...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Transform the future of energy by leading a structural engineering team in designing and analyzing nuclear facility structures. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to deliver innovati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Lead a dynamic team in structural engineering, guiding innovative projects for nuclear facilities. Utilize your expertise in design and analysis to mentor engineers, interface with clients, and ensure...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Join our innovative team as you design and develop cutting-edge low and medium voltage power systems. Leverage your expertise to drive research, testing, and collaboration, contributing to the future...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the design process of complex defense systems, guiding projects through all phases from inception to production. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product quality and performance while...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a leading role in optomechanical engineering, overseeing the design and development of advanced military systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate and integr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $198K *

Champion the design and development of advanced DoD munition systems. Lead complex mechanical engineering projects, ensuring integration and technical excellence while mentoring teams and driving inno...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $175K *

Drive the future of electric aviation by developing aerodynamic models, conducting CFD analyses, and leading wind-tunnel tests to optimize aircraft performance and design. Collaborate across teams to...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $175K *

Transform the future of electric aviation by leading aerodynamic design and analysis for innovative aircraft. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance, stability, and certification through adva...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee pilot lab operations, driving the production of engineered RNA and lipid nanoparticles. Lead manufacturing campaigns, optimize processes, and foster a culture of safety...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Drive the successful execution of submarine construction with technical support, management of HM&E testing, and collaboration with various teams to ensure compliance and certification during key mile...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $141K *

Champion innovation as a Technical Services Engineer, driving part analysis and selection for critical national defense systems. Collaborate within a dynamic team to enhance product reliability, effic...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $260K *

Unlock the potential of aircraft design by leveraging your expertise in aerodynamic modeling, CFD analysis, and performance optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance aircraft ef...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced beamline systems, collaborating with engineering teams to ensure optimal performance and reliability while managing projects efficiently and training staff in as...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.