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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$145K - $222K *

Transform the future of energy by leading a structural engineering team in designing and analyzing nuclear facility structures. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to deliver innovati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$145K - $222K *

Lead a dynamic team in structural engineering, guiding innovative projects for nuclear facilities. Utilize your expertise in design and analysis to mentor engineers, interface with clients, and ensure...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Join our innovative team as you design and develop cutting-edge low and medium voltage power systems. Leverage your expertise to drive research, testing, and collaboration, contributing to the future...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the design process of complex defense systems, guiding projects through all phases from inception to production. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product quality and performance while...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a leading role in optomechanical engineering, overseeing the design and development of advanced military systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate and integr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$86K - $198K *

Champion the design and development of advanced DoD munition systems. Lead complex mechanical engineering projects, ensuring integration and technical excellence while mentoring teams and driving inno...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $175K *

Drive the future of electric aviation by developing aerodynamic models, conducting CFD analyses, and leading wind-tunnel tests to optimize aircraft performance and design. Collaborate across teams to...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $175K *

Transform the future of electric aviation by leading aerodynamic design and analysis for innovative aircraft. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance, stability, and certification through adva...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee pilot lab operations, driving the production of engineered RNA and lipid nanoparticles. Lead manufacturing campaigns, optimize processes, and foster a culture of safety...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Drive the successful execution of submarine construction with technical support, management of HM&E testing, and collaboration with various teams to ensure compliance and certification during key mile...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $141K *

Champion innovation as a Technical Services Engineer, driving part analysis and selection for critical national defense systems. Collaborate within a dynamic team to enhance product reliability, effic...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in advancing composite materials engineering by evaluating, testing, and innovating solutions for carbon fiber composites. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality and drive i...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

4 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...

4 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

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.