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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$95K - $115K *

Transform life support systems for future space missions by simulating critical processes, evaluating advanced technologies, and ensuring optimal performance of environmental controls for NASA's innov...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in overseeing electrical engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence and project success. Mentor new engineers while directing project teams and collaborating on innovative des...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Unlock potential by applying engineering methods to enhance manufacturing processes for aerospace products. Collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure compliance, improve efficiency, and drive innova...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in project management for deep space engineering. Lead cross-functional teams in the development, testing, and certification of flight hardware, ensuring project success t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and development of electrical systems for spaceflight applications, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration and verification of hardware in exciting...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by designing cutting-edge electrical systems for spaceflight. Collaborate with industry leaders to innovate and support the future of space exploration through hands-on engineering...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Elevate building performance by designing and developing HVAC and plumbing systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance, efficiency, and sustainability in commercial and inst...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $128K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team supporting naval architecture for complex vessel projects. Contribute to design, engineering analysis, and documentation while collaborating with multidisciplinary...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$250K - $350K *

Lead the technical direction for flight-critical GN&C systems, develop advanced algorithms for autonomous operations, and manage a high-performing engineering team to deliver mission-critical solution...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in evaluating and resolving customer engineering concerns through innovative testing and analysis, while collaborating with stakeholders to enhance product design and manufacturing pro...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$86K - $135K *

Lead the charge in optimizing pre-construction workflows for hydrogen systems. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure timely project execution and regulatory compliance, driving efficiency an...

Johnstown, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$86K - $135K *

Join us in optimizing hydrogen systems by managing pre-construction phases, ensuring timely project execution, and navigating complex permitting processes. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential by leading mechanical simulations and structural analysis. Collaborate across teams to enhance product development, ensuring quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes whi...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $220K *

Transform national security space systems by leading mission engineering initiatives, developing robust enterprise architectures, and providing technical expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabili...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$91K - $137K *

Drive innovation as a Systems Engineer, collaborating across teams to transform national defense capabilities through advanced engineering practices and model-based solutions, ensuring integration and...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $200K *

Shape the future of autonomous aviation by leading safety and certification efforts. Define safety approaches, conduct analyses, and ensure compliance with airworthiness standards to secure flight app...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Support vehicle teams by resolving material compatibility and processing issues. Collaborate with engineering, suppliers, and manufacturing to enhance body interior components, ensuring quality and su...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$82K - $93K *

Shape the future of quality assurance by driving compliance, conducting audits, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes and ensure...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $185K *

Deliver integrated thermal management solutions for space nuclear systems, overseeing model development, analysis, and design trades to ensure high-temperature resilience and system-level collaboratio...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's transforming marine manufacturing with innovative CNC programming and advanced techniques. Lead transitions to 5-axis machining and mentor future engineers, shaping excellence at th...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$179K - $211K *

Transform your career by leading civil engineering projects that shape the future of infrastructure. Drive technical excellence, mentor talent, and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic EPC/EPCM...

Markham, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

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

$95K - $115K *

Champion the integration and testing of complex mechanical systems, ensuring compliance and readiness of spacecraft and lunar infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute detaile...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $135K *

Transform testing capabilities as a Test Equipment Controls Engineer, driving automation and modernization of systems. Lead enhancements for production and engineering test equipment, ensuring reliabi...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Shape reliability by design across power electronics products, defining corporate strategies that align engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to maximize product longevity and minimize life...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Join a dedicated team to optimize glass melting furnaces by ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality. Collaborate with management to enhance production and eliminate waste through analysis, innovation...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

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.