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.
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Thermal-Hydraulics and Safety Analysis Engineer - Isotopes
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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...
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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...
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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
Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Propulsion
$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
$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...
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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
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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...
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$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...
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$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
Controls Engineering-Steam Turbine & Plant-27NA.4Q26-Senior Lead Engineer
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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
$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...
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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...
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$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...
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Senior Hydraulic Research Engineer and Laboratory Manager
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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...
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Principal Manufacturing Project Engineer
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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...
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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...
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Manufacturing/Production Engineer - Space Electronics
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Engine Control Systems Technical Lead -Aerospace
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Lead a team in developing electronic engine control systems through the full lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and managing technical risks while collaborating with various stakeholders. Drive innov...
Reposted 1 week ago
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Manage complex aerospace projects from planning to delivery, leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring exceptional client service. Thrive in a fast-paced environment while coordinating priorities a...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
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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
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.