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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$95K - $115K *

Manage the structural design of high voltage transmission lines and substations. Collaborate with teams to execute engineering projects, ensure quality standards, mentor junior engineers, and enhance...

4 weeks ago

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

$63K - $111K *

Elevate your career with impactful engineering projects, conducting constructability reviews, and designing temporary works. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality outcomes while prioritizing s...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $120K *

Drive impactful projects by managing civil and geotechnical engineering teams, building client relationships, and overseeing multi-disciplinary designs for diverse industries. Contribute your expertis...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$151K - $204K *

Transform engineering leadership by guiding a diverse team in avionics and flight controls. Drive technical excellence, manage budgets, and foster collaboration in an Agile environment to achieve high...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Champion advancements in geotechnical engineering, leading client relationships, project management, and technical oversight for diverse initiatives in power generation and related fields...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Transform the future of energy by leading civil engineering for electric transmission projects. Shape team growth while ensuring successful planning, execution, and stakeholder collaboration in a comp...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative geotechnical engineering solutions across diverse sectors. Manage multi-disciplinary projects while fostering client relationships and mentoring talent within...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining geotechnical engineering for diverse sectors. Engage in project management, client relations, and technical guidance while leading innovative projects within the Power Ge...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a leader in geotechnical engineering, driving innovative solutions in multi-discipline projects for energy and industrial sectors. Make a meaningful impact while collaborating w...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Transform multi-discipline projects by leveraging your geotechnical expertise. Lead client relationships and staff management while ensuring project delivery in the Power Generation sector. Collaborat...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead and manage geotechnical engineering projects while fostering client relationships and ensuring quality delivery of services across Energy and Manufacturing sectors. Inspire a collaborative team e...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Optimize multi-discipline engineering projects, develop client relationships, and lead teams to deliver civil and geotechnical solutions for diverse industries, ensuring high standards of quality, saf...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead innovative geotechnical engineering projects, fostering client relationships and team collaboration while managing diverse teams and multi-discipline projects for clients across Energy...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative geotechnical engineering solutions for diverse projects, while managing client relationships and guiding a team of professionals to achieve project success and...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Lead geotechnical projects for diverse Energy and Manufacturing clients, fostering relationships, managing teams, and ensuring project delivery on scope, budget, and quality. Drive business developmen...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$72K - $134K *

Manage the lifecycle of manufacturing data by creating and updating part records in the MPM Link/Windchill system. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and compliance while...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $134K *

Unlock the potential of manufacturing data as you drive the lifecycle of part records, ensuring accuracy and compliance across cross-functional teams. Your expertise will enhance assembly processes an...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $134K *

Drive the lifecycle of manufacturing data by managing part creation, updating assembly bills, and ensuring compliance within the MPM Link/Windchill system, collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Join a team that's driving the lifecycle of manufacturing data, managing new part creations, and ensuring data integrity across cross-functional teams. Your expertise will enhance assembly bill of mat...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $151K *

Champion the lifecycle of manufacturing data by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and update part records in the MPM Link/Windchill system, ensuring data integrity and compliance thr...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $182K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of advanced GN&C sensor systems for deep-space missions. Collaborate on innovative technology solutions and ensure successful integration and fli...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $250K *

Transform complex systems into streamlined solutions by leveraging your expertise in SAN, Cisco, and VMware technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance security and optimize storage infrastructure...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $250K *

Champion the development and maintenance of secure, scalable back-end systems, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring data integrity and compliance in a hi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$113K - $136K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovating mechanical systems and hardware. In this role, you'll tackle engineering challenges, collaborate cross-functionally, and enhance product development througho...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$148K - $275K *

Lead the design and implementation of advanced algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control systems in aerospace applications, ensuring optimal performance during all flight phases and contributin...

Today

  •   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.