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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$91K - $148K *

Join us to drive performance engineering excellence in motorsport, collaborating with teams to enhance vehicle dynamics and race strategies. Contribute to event preparation, data analysis, and vehicle...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $180K *

Champion innovative mechanical design for modular heat pump systems, transforming industrial steam generation. Collaborate on cost-effective, scalable solutions while leading design initiatives and me...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $120K *

Accelerate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on growth, performance, and technical excellence. Drive project success while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $120K *

Accelerate progress at a leading engineering firm by building and guiding a high-performing team. Focus on leadership, recruitment, and technical oversight while managing projects and fostering a cult...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead and mentor teams on diverse control system projects, ensuring successful execution and customer satisfaction. Drive project completion while adhering to budget and schedule, fostering a collabora...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $125K *

Lead the charge in diverse control system projects, overseeing tasks and teams while ensuring successful project completion. Collaborate with stakeholders and provide engineering support, driving qual...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead diverse control system projects, guiding teams and ensuring successful execution. Provide engineering support, manage project tasks, and foster customer relationships while adhering to quality st...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative marine products. Leverage your engineering expertise to manage projects from concept to production, ensuring quality and compliance while collabora...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$114K - $171K *

Join a team that's advancing navigation technology through model-based engineering and agile practices. Collaborate with experts to enhance mission success and drive innovation in national defense sys...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Develop innovative solutions by supporting R&D projects, collaborating with teams on medical product design, including CAD and FEA, while ensuring compliance with risk assessments and validations for...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Invent innovative mechanical designs for prototypes and production units, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and execution throughout the product lifecycle...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive the execution of new product development in aerospace, ensuring cost, capability, and manufacturability targets are met through collaboration with engineering and supply chain teams...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and deliver innovative communications solutions for complex transportation projects, ensuring operational readiness and compliance through collaboration with multidiscip...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$89K - $134K *

Drive technical excellence as a Field Service Engineer, supporting the US Army's IBCS. Engage in worldwide operations, troubleshooting complex systems, and providing customer training while ensuring m...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Deliver essential electrical engineering services and technical support, ensuring compliance with specifications and budget requirements. Lead projects, manage teams, and maintain effective communicat...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$72K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading maintenance and repair efforts for ground support equipment. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure operational readiness and safety in a fast-paced aerospace environmen...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Empower product excellence by providing engineering support for Flowline products, enhancing reliability and quality across manufacturing, sales, and field operations while driving continuous improvem...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's focused on maintaining and improving extensive mechanical systems while managing critical infrastructure projects within a historic shipyard and new facilities. Work collaboratively...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$161K - $241K *

Transform advanced tool design and structural optimization by leading a dynamic engineering team. Drive excellence through mentorship, compliance, and collaboration, ensuring innovative solutions meet...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Discover the opportunity to shape high voltage systems for cutting-edge vehicles, focusing on safety and performance. Collaborate across teams to define requirements, develop strategies, and ensure su...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$137K - $215K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering by leading innovative HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection design projects. Utilize your expertise to drive complex solutions from concep...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$137K - $215K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection design. Lead diverse projects from concept to completion, ensuring technical excellence and innov...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$137K - $215K *

Unlock potential by leading mechanical design projects in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection. Utilize your expertise to guide teams, ensure project accuracy, and deliver innovative solutions from con...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$168K - $183K *

Take ownership of innovative HVAC system designs, leading projects and mentoring junior engineers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mechanical systems for semiconductor facilities, e...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $110K *

Join us to support NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center by applying engineering technology and systems engineering concepts. This hands-on role involves data collection, troubleshooting, and collab...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.