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.
$138K - $165K *
Drive innovation in spacecraft flight software, leading cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions for advanced space systems. Mentor engineers and influence software architecture while tack...
Yesterday
$163K - $218K *
Lead innovative software design for space systems, driving technical excellence and mentoring teams. Collaborate on complex flight software solutions, ensuring performance and scalability in challengi...
Yesterday
Mission Operations Engineer (Mid Level) - Millennium Space Systems
$99K - $215K *
Join a team that's leading mission operations for cutting-edge spacecraft. Manage the entire mission lifecycle, ensure spacecraft readiness, and innovate effective operational methodologies. Engage in...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Staff Electrical Engineer - Payload
$184K - $225K *
Advance the design and development of cutting-edge spaceborne payloads, leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure successful integration, testing, and flight qualification of advanced phased array sy...
2 weeks ago
Lead Project Engineer - Turboshaft Engines
$110K - $130K *
Lead engineering projects focused on turboshaft engines, ensuring timely delivery and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define objectives and drive innovation while managing resource...
2 days ago
GNC Engineer - Spacecraft Pointing & Maneuvering
$180K - $250K *
Join a team that's pioneering the first spacecraft with a high-energy laser. As a GNC Engineer, you'll design and implement precision control systems, ensuring accurate maneuvering and targeting in or...
3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer Mechanical (Level 5 - ITME)
$161K - $241K *
Lead a dynamic team in mechanical integration and testing for space hardware. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure technical excellence and efficient operations in a complex production envi...
Yesterday
$135K - $175K *
Join a team that's shaping advanced facility projects by leading mechanical design efforts, evaluating system performance, and developing solutions that enhance operational excellence in regulated env...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $180K *
Manage quality assurance for electrical and electronic assemblies, ensuring compliance with standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, drive continuous improvement, and...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer Systems - AHT
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing systems requirements using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver technical solutions and suppo...
Reposted 1 week ago
$103K - $155K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by leading mission assurance initiatives, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement in a collaborative aerospace environment. Engage with cross-funct...
1 week ago
$139K - $157K *
Lead the charge in ensuring quality excellence for aerospace electronics. Drive inspection, testing, and compliance processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliabi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Subcontract Technical Representative
$106K - $166K *
Drive impactful construction projects by ensuring subcontractor compliance and performance. Collaborate with a dynamic team to oversee major infrastructure developments, enhancing the Naval Reactors F...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Advance your career by leading process automation projects, integrating systems, and delivering innovative solutions. Collaborate with a diverse team to tackle complex challenges while ensuring custom...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Drive the successful execution of Flight Controls programs, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule objectives are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers while leading complex proje...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Oversee medium complexity projects, leveraging technical expertise and leadership skills to drive successful program milestones and continuous improvement while managing risks and collaborating with c...
2 days ago
Infrastructure Systems Eng. Launch Equipment Manager 2 - 17128
$161K - $241K *
Lead a team of systems engineers to enhance Command & Launch Infrastructure. Collaborate across disciplines, manage critical design reviews, and drive project priorities while ensuring effective commu...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineering Technician
$83K - $104K *
Join our innovative team as an Electrical Technician, focusing on PCB rework, soldering, and assembly. Collaborate with engineers to ensure high-quality circuit assemblies through meticulous repair an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Advanced Lead Engineer - Electrical Systems
$79K - $113K *
Champion the design and development of advanced control systems for electric drive mining vehicles, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and sustainability in the mining i...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mission Operations Engineer
$150K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining mission operations by integrating engineering and flight teams, ensuring seamless execution and continuous improvement throughout the spacecraft lifecycle. Drive cross-te...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining product innovation by integrating electromechanical systems. Leverage your expertise to collaborate with engineers and designers, ensuring seamless functionality while ba...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Pioneer advanced mechanical design for complex systems, leading projects from concept to production. Collaborate across disciplines, resolve technical challenges, and mentor junior engineers while ens...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$145K - $269K *
Partner with us to drive engineering excellence, ensuring technical performance, cost efficiency, and schedule adherence across programs while managing risks and fostering collaboration with stakehold...
Today
Design Engineer I/II, Interiors and Structures
$83K - $104K *
Join an innovative team of engineers and develop cutting-edge designs for VIP aircraft interiors and structures, gaining hands-on experience while collaborating closely with senior engineers in a dyna...
4 weeks ago
$79K - $112K *
Transform product development by leading initiatives from concept to production, solving complex design challenges, and delivering high-quality engineered solutions in a collaborative environment...
2 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.