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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$57K - $108K *

Develop mechanical designs for tactical missile systems, collaborating across disciplines to resolve technical challenges and support production. Ensure compliance with system requirements while meeti...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

Elevate your career as a Mechanical Engineer II, designing and developing innovative spaceflight bioinstrumentation hardware. Collaborate with a dynamic team to prototype, analyze, and refine cutting...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $92K *

Engage in foundational engineering tasks, analyzing data and supporting airworthiness evaluations under senior guidance. Contribute to projects and collaborate with teams to enhance aircraft performan...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$95K - $115K *

Analyze structural integrity across diverse aerospace projects, enhancing designs through advanced analysis techniques. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with safety and per...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape engineering excellence by leading multidiscipline teams on critical DoD projects. Oversee project delivery stages, enhance client relationships, and ensure adherence to budget and scope while me...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$140K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing and validating advanced mechanical systems, ensuring performance and manufacturability while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across teams to drive innovative...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Serve as the Engineering Lead for complex multi-disciplinary projects, overseeing the full lifecycle from design to commissioning, ensuring safe and cost-effective delivery of utility-scale power gene...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $155K *

Drive innovative mechanical process designs for complex research facilities. Lead multidisciplinary teams, ensuring project success from concept to execution while maintaining high standards in a dyna...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $155K *

Innovate and lead multidisciplinary teams to design complex mechanical systems for advanced research facilities, ensuring project success through effective management of scope, budget, and schedule wh...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $155K *

Lead the charge in designing and managing complex mechanical process systems for cutting-edge research facilities, ensuring high-quality solutions and client satisfaction while collaborating with mult...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$143K - $158K *

Unlock innovative mechanical solutions by leading design processes and mentoring engineers. Drive project success through technical expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a dynamic ae...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead innovative design and analysis of gas turbine engine components, ensuring compliance and technical excellence. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive process improvemen...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Transform projects by leading electrical design teams and ensuring compliance with codes. Collaborate across disciplines, manage timelines, and uphold quality in large institutional/industrial project...

3 weeks ago

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

$89K - $110K *

Develop innovative mechanical systems and solutions for nuclear propulsion, focusing on design, testing, and integration to enhance the performance of naval vessels. Collaborate with teams to ensure e...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $185K *

Shape the future of space technology by leading structural analysis for nuclear systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure the resilience and performance of cutting-edge space hardware through rigoro...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$98K - $160K *

Shape the future of industrial energy applications by leading cross-functional teams, managing engineering projects, and collaborating directly with Siemens Energy while ensuring technical excellence...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $158K *

Engineer innovative aerospace structures, focusing on design, analysis, and integration of advanced hypersonic vehicles. Collaborate across teams to ensure optimal structural performance and resolve t...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's responsible for innovative planning and design of complex construction projects, managing compliance and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure successful project executi...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.