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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1
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$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...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $185K *

Transform the future of mechanical engineering by leading MEP practice expansion, managing client relationships, and delivering innovative building systems solutions for complex infrastructure project...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$160K - $185K *

Advance your career by leading mechanical engineering for complex infrastructure projects. Drive client development and practice expansion while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver i...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining aircraft design by creating innovative solutions for complex structures and systems. Collaborate with experts, mentor peers, and lead projects to deliver high-quality res...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Lead the charge in innovative aircraft design, collaborating across teams to create quality solutions for complex structural and system challenges, while mentoring others and driving project success i...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $140K *

Lead multifaceted industrial projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with operational goals. Drive collaboration among teams while managing budgets, schedules, and compliance with in...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $140K *

Lead and manage high-impact facility infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and efficient execution from planning to startup. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and oversee contractors to deliver...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of manufacturing by managing key facilities projects from inception to delivery. Your expertise will enhance operational efficiency and drive impactful infrastruc...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Engage in impactful capital improvement projects, overseeing initiatives from concept to startup. Collaborate across teams to enhance plant performance, ensuring operational efficiency and successful...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Transform manufacturing processes by leading critical projects that enhance plant efficiency, performance, and reliability. Drive initiatives across multiple facilities while collaborating with divers...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of fluid systems engineering from design to production, optimizing performance and ensuring structural integrity. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation in the first new commercia...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Transform transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Oversee construction documents, conduct analyses, and mentor junior engineers while collabo...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance wi...

Miami, FLRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$94K - $129K *

Drive the development of thermal systems for aerospace projects by applying thermal analysis principles. Collaborate with teams to integrate solutions, conduct analyses, and support engineering effort...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$122K - $190K *

Drive innovation in mechanical engineering by designing resilient systems for mission-critical facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance national security through advanced HVAC a...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.