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.
SSNA Propulsion Plant Electrical Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of submarine technology by joining our engineering team to develop innovative electric plant designs, enhancing performance and efficiency for the next generation of UK fast attack su...
6 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Join our innovative team as a robotics engineer, where you'll architect and develop cutting-edge software solutions for virtual simulations, collaborating with experts to enhance autonomy and sensor i...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by joining our marine engineering support team, where you'll collaborate with experts to develop and validate maintenance plans for cutting-edge vessels, ensuring their optimal per...
4 weeks ago
Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer
$140K - $185K *
Drive innovation in advanced heat exchanger systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and validate high-performance solutions for next-generation energy applications, ensu...
1 week ago
Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer
$140K - $185K *
Transform the thermal management of the Power Conversion System, owning the heat budget and critical thermal interfaces. Collaborate across disciplines to optimize hardware performance while ensuring...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)
$88K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and execute testing plans for innovative Raptor engines. Engage in fast-paced engineering challenges, ensuring performance and safety, as we embark on pioneering mission...
4 weeks ago
Staff Turbomachinery Responsible Engineer
$155K - $220K *
Join a team that drives innovation in turbomachinery for nuclear reactors. You will oversee hardware development from concept to production, ensuring optimal performance and reliability while managing...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive the design and development of electromechanical systems. Integrate and troubleshoot across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces from concept to field deployment, ensuring optimal perf...
4 weeks ago
Principal Aerospace Engineer - Autonomous System
$115K - $160K *
Transform autonomous systems development by integrating advanced technologies and optimizing performance for unmanned aerial platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance capabilities...
6 days ago
High-Speed propulsion Design Engineer
$86K - $129K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and analyzing mechanical systems for experimental aero-thermal tests. Utilize CAD and engineering principles to develop innovative solutions while collaborati...
1 week ago
High-Speed propulsion Design Engineer
$86K - $129K *
Join a dynamic team to design and analyze mechanical systems for aero-thermal tests. Utilize CAD and engineering principles to ensure performance and integrity, while effectively communicating progres...
1 week ago
$205K - $381K *
Optimize interdisciplinary design and integration of complex aerospace systems. Serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring sound solutions and schedules while balancing technical needs with business c...
1 week ago
$205K - $381K *
Champion the technical execution of UCS Re-architecture IR&D, managing cost, schedule, and performance while aligning investments with strategic goals. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and...
1 week ago
SSNA Propulsion Plant Electrical Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Innovate with cutting-edge technology as you design the future of electric plants for advanced submarines. Collaborate with a skilled team, engage in performance trade studies, and optimize power syst...
Reposted 6 days ago
Guidance, Navigation, and Mission Design Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Contribute to advanced spacecraft GN&C and mission design by modeling, simulating, and analyzing trajectories to enhance NASA’s Deep Space Logistics missions. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure...
3 weeks ago
$81K - $136K *
Design innovative mechanical solutions for launch vehicle upgrades, focusing on structural components and systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, reduce costs, and ens...
1 week ago
$81K - $136K *
Support mechanical design efforts for Vulcan Launch Vehicle upgrades, focusing on structural components and systems. Collaborate on prototyping, qualification, and design optimization to enhance perfo...
1 week ago
$130K - $165K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of space systems development, overseeing the full lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies. Collaborate with teams to design, analyze, and implement innovative s...
1 week ago
$130K - $165K *
Help us drive innovation in space systems by managing the full lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies, ensuring they meet rigorous design and performance standards while collaborating with cross-f...
1 week ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Engine Assembly Design
$132K - $198K *
Unlock your potential by driving the analysis and design of cutting-edge turbomachinery products, optimizing thermal and structural performance, and ensuring reliability as we advance rocket propulsio...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the charge in submarine engineering by supporting design, testing, and construction efforts across multiple classes. Utilize your expertise in shock and vibration qualification to ensure equipme...
Yesterday
Mission Certification Engineer 3 (Propulsion-Mechanical Engineer)
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team as you oversee launch vehicle certification, ensuring mission readiness through hands-on engineering and cross-functional collaboration. Drive success by resolving hardware issues...
6 days ago
$115K - $150K *
Develop and design advanced heat exchanger systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure performance and reliability in next-generation energy applications. Drive projects from concept...
1 week ago
Senior Performance Analysis Engineer
$103K - $181K *
Transform missile defense capabilities by conducting performance analyses, developing analytical tools, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance system effectiveness and operational readine...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Fuel Handling Equipment
$80K - $95K *
Champion the design and development of automated fuel handling systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create 3D models, prototypes, and manufacturing drawings, ensuring efficient fabricat...
1 week 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.