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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$130K - $150K *

Lead the design and development of innovative power electronics products, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure efficient performance from concept through production. Drive solutions in high-powe...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $140K *

Lead the charge in creating innovative mechanical designs for power electronics. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal functionality and reliability from product conception to deployment in...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Engage as a senior engineering leader to build and guide a global Customer Support & Applications Engineering team, ensuring exceptional customer experience and technical success throughout the produc...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$140K - $170K *

Transform the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for spacecraft, ensuring seamless integration and performance across multiple disciplines while managing technical risks and program re...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $170K *

Shape the future of aerospace by leading systems engineering for spacecraft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integrated system performance from design to launch, balancing technical...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $170K *

Lead the charge in developing integrated spacecraft systems, ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines. Drive technical execution from architecture to mission operations, balancin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $147K *

Elevate product design and compliance by meticulously reviewing ECAD/MCAD drawings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to industry standards while collaborating with engineers and quality teams to enhanc...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $175K *

Elevate your career by applying advanced engineering techniques to design and coordinate mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while collaborati...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $158K *

Drive innovative mechanical designs for energy and infrastructure projects. Lead project segments, ensuring compliance and efficiency while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$116K - $175K *

Grow your career with us to lead mechanical systems design for energy and infrastructure projects. Collaborate across teams, solve complex challenges, and deliver high-performance, reliable systems wh...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$106K - $177K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative engineering solutions. Oversee project management and technical leadership for complex engineering projects, ensuring alignment with customer need...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead network engineering efforts to enhance tactical capabilities in air defense systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure secure information exchange and compliance across all phase...

Huntsville, ALRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$94K - $116K *

Contribute to cutting-edge actuator technology by assembling, integrating, and testing flight and prototype hardware. Leverage your expertise to mentor others while ensuring adherence to safety and qu...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $151K *

Champion the design and development of precision optomechanical systems for advanced optical instruments, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for spaceflight and ground app...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $180K *

Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects, mentoring junior engineers while designing complex systems and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams t...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Lead cutting-edge mechanical engineering projects, mentoring talent while enhancing designs for complex systems. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$74K - $130K *

Engage with cutting-edge cloud technologies to ensure system health, security, and compliance. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage infrastructure, automate processes, and drive operational excell...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$91K - $137K *

Transform the future of aerospace by driving electromechanical engineering projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop innovative designs and solutions, ensuring technical excellence and time...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Develop and enhance custom manufacturing equipment and automation systems. Lead projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness while collaborating with cr...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$115K - $160K *

Lead the charge in establishing a cutting-edge materials laboratory, driving innovative reverse engineering and polymer analysis to optimize production processes and ensure safety compliance in a dyna...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$72K - $93K *

Take ownership of building and testing turbopumps and fluid systems for high-power satellites. Collaborate across mechanical and electromechanical domains in a fast-paced environment, ensuring precisi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$258K - $330K *

Lead the charge in shaping the future of nuclear power engineering by providing strategic oversight and technical direction for a multidisciplinary team, ensuring high-quality designs that meet safety...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$111K - $150K *

Champion innovation by leading mechanical design of satellite solar arrays and batteries, ensuring successful collaboration across engineering teams to optimize spacecraft power systems for government...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $200K *

Unlock your potential as a Mechanical Engineer, designing and testing innovative undersea communication systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to solve complex engineering challenges and contribute...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$105K - $200K *

Collaborate to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems for undersea applications, tackling complex communication challenges. Engage with diverse teams to innovate solutions and support field test...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

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.