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

$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...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $190K *

Join a team that's redefining power electronics by leading mechanical design for innovative technologies. Collaborate closely with founders to shape product direction and drive impactful solutions for...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$145K - $222K *

Shape the future of clean energy by leading a structural engineering team. Collaborate on innovative projects for nuclear facilities, guiding design and analysis while mentoring engineers and interfac...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $200K *

Engineer cutting-edge thermal-hydraulic safety analyses to enhance isotope reactor designs, ensuring compliance with licensing while collaborating across disciplines to connect safety functions and op...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $200K *

Unlock potential by driving systems-level thermal-hydraulic analyses for advanced reactor safety cases. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance design, licensing, and operational efficienc...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$108K - $130K *

Transform airfield design by leading complex projects from planning to construction. Oversee multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with FAA standards while mentoring junior staff and driving qu...

2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $160K *

Champion innovative testing solutions for electric powertrains, ensuring compliance and performance through rigorous validation and certification processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $160K *

Join a team that's transforming thermal design for spacecraft and launch vehicles. You'll drive innovative solutions, enhance performance, and ensure robust validation processes to support national se...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by leading electrical engineering projects, advising clients, and coordinating design teams. Utilize your expertise to solve complex problems and ensure compliance with codes while...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $170K *

Champion the design and delivery of spacecraft avionics from concept to flight. Collaborate across teams to innovate robust hardware and systems while ensuring reliable operation in demanding environm...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $220K *

Tackle propulsion manufacturing challenges by leveraging deep expertise in air-breathing turbines, ramjets, and solid rocket motors, ensuring manufacturability, integration, and quality of propulsion...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Drive your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and integrating advanced avionics systems. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure compliance and performance, while leading testing and val...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $135K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement efficient mechanical systems for critical Navy projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards while promoting sustainable solutions and collab...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Champion innovative harnessing design for aerospace systems, ensuring safe and compliant interconnect solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges and contribute to groundbre...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining electrical harnessing for aerospace systems. Lead the design and integration of complex wiring interconnect systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards while men...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$196K - $240K *

Lead the charge in building and directing a high-performing electrical engineering team, overseeing electrical delivery across nuclear power generation and distribution, while ensuring safety and tech...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Contribute to critical national security missions by designing and developing embedded systems. Work across hardware and software teams to create innovative solutions for unmanned platforms through ha...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Develop robust control systems for Steam Turbines, HRSG, and BOP applications, ensuring effective design, testing, and validation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and s...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$133K *

Unlock potential by leading complex maintenance operations in a dynamic environment. Utilize advanced engineering skills to ensure optimal performance of building systems while fostering positive tena...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $100K *

Drive innovative design solutions as a Mechanical Engineer supporting major construction projects, specializing in HVAC and plumbing systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-qu...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $255K *

Join a team that's pioneering advanced satellite architectures, leading the design and integration of complex systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for next...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing bridge safety through innovative hydraulic research. Oversee lab operations, manage projects, and mentor a skilled team while developing critical design guidance for engin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$108K - $163K *

Partner with us to drive excellence in manufacturing engineering, overseeing product lines and ensuring quality, cost, and delivery metrics are met. Collaborate across teams to enhance processes and l...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Advance engineering excellence by leading a cross-functional team in delivering innovative gas turbine projects. Foster collaboration with stakeholders to ensure on-time completion and adherence to te...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $160K *

Take ownership of manufacturing processes for space electronics, ensuring compliance with AS9100 standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and quality while p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 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.