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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in deploying and validating autonomous surface vessels. Engage in testing, troubleshooting, and analysis to ensure systems meet rigorous standards. Collaborate with cross-functional te...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project Manager, Civil Maritime
$115K - $180K *
Join a team that leads and coordinates complex project activities, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards across multidisciplinary environments while serving as a primary contact...
Reposted yesterday
Lead Structural Analysis Engineer
$154K - $209K *
Lead structural analysis initiatives, mentoring engineers to ensure robust strength analyses of metallic and composite components, while collaborating across teams to deliver integrated engineering so...
Reposted today
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Innovate in space power systems by leading multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced technologies for national security missions. Collaborate with government and industry experts to enhance spacecra...
1 week ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space power systems through innovative engineering and collaboration with military and government partners, driving advancements in nuclear and solar technolog...
1 week ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Advance national security missions by leading the development of space power systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to innovate and implement cutting-edge technologies, ensuring successful project ex...
1 week ago
Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced space power systems engineering initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive technology development and support national security missions through innovati...
1 week ago
Registered Mechanical Engineer - Pipe Stress (FLNG)
$95K - $115K *
Empower engineering excellence by leading complex mechanical pipe stress solutions, mentoring talent, and driving innovation in large-scale power generation projects while ensuring quality and client...
Yesterday
Turbomachinery Engineer (Early Career, Exceptional Talent)
$87K - $117K *
Shape the future of propulsion systems by owning critical components of gas turbines, collaborating directly on testing and design with high-performing teams, and tackling advanced thermal-fluid chall...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Power Generation
$88K - $105K *
Unlock potential by collaborating with global teams to deliver innovative mechanical designs and solutions in power and process industries while ensuring compliance with standards and executing comple...
Reposted yesterday
Advanced Battery Systems Technical Fellow
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advancing Battery and Energy Storage technologies, driving innovative design and testing solutions while collaborating across engineering teams for high-quality vehicle production...
4 weeks ago
Electric Motor Design Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge UAV propulsion motors through advanced electromagnetic design and simulation, ensuring high performance and reliability in real-world flight conditions...
Yesterday
Mechanical Engineer I (Mechanisms)
$77K - $106K *
Support senior engineers in analyzing, designing, and evaluating mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, collect data, and prepare technical documentation to meet project goals and deadlines in a...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $154K *
Lead mechanical engineering projects focused on sustainable HVAC and energy solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative designs while managing project scope, budgets, and...
Yesterday
Airworthiness Engineer/Principal Airworthiness Engineer
$91K - $137K *
Drive your career by supporting airworthiness certification across diverse air vehicle platforms. Collaborate with teams to develop comprehensive airworthiness plans, ensuring compliance with regulato...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Project Engineering
$167K - $226K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic project engineering team, driving technical execution across complex aerospace programs, and ensuring successful delivery through effective governance and team de...
6 days ago
Test Engineer - Non Nuclear Test
$90K - $110K *
Play a key role in supporting the construction and testing of submarines by collaborating across teams, managing HM&E test programs, and ensuring compliance with naval standards through comprehensive...
Reposted 3 days ago
$79K - $118K *
Join a dynamic team as you evaluate and enhance the structural integrity of rocket motor components, collaborating with engineers to drive innovation in solid rocket motor design and analysis for defe...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Deliver impactful roadway designs by collaborating across teams, mentoring staff, and ensuring project success from scope to execution. Your expertise will help shape critical infrastructure, enhancin...
Reposted 1 week ago
Spaceflight Battery Hardware Project Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of innovative spaceflight battery projects, collaborating with diverse teams to design, test, and validate hardware systems that support deep space exploration and enhance life on Earth...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Pioneer new technical solutions, ensuring interoperability of USMC intelligence systems through extensive experience and expert knowledge of C4ISR programs and systems engineering principles...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Staff Engineer Airworthiness - Technical Excellence
$166K - $249K *
Drive technical excellence by developing processes, tools, and training for airworthiness and cybersecurity. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance and enhance workforce capabilities, sup...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Multiphysics Modeling Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join a pioneering team to develop multiphysics models for fusion hardware, driving material selection and design in extreme environments. Collaborate cross-functionally to validate simulations, enhanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career as an Implementation Engineer, leveraging data-driven insights to solve complex national security challenges. Collaborate with teams to implement technology solutions, deliver impa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Engineering Team Lead - NASA JSC Aircraft Operations
$120K - $145K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team, delivering critical aircraft solutions while performing hands-on tasks. Drive project success through technical leadership, effective communication, and collaboration...
3 weeks ago
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.