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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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...
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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...
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Senior Mechanical Process Engineer
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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...
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Senior Mechanical Process Engineer
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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...
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Senior Mechanical Process Engineer
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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...
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Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
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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...
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Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Senior Structural Analyst - Space
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Mission Operations Engineer (Mid Level) - Millennium Space Systems
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Lead Project Engineer - Turboshaft Engines
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GNC Engineer - Spacecraft Pointing & Maneuvering
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Staff Engineer Mechanical (Level 5 - ITME)
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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.