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

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Sudbury, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   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.