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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$100K - $120K *

Transform plant operations by leading technical initiatives in design, construction, and commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant startup a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$152K - $247K *

Shape the future of advanced technology by designing and integrating cutting-edge FPGA/ASIC solutions for critical engine control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams through all project p...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to develop innovative technical solutions, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and operational standards, while managing project delivery and fostering a collabo...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Empower the future of energy by leading the technical delivery of innovative oxy-combustion projects. Oversee design, procurement, and commissioning while ensuring performance, safety, and collaborati...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$157K - $206K *

Advance your career by contributing to the development of innovative hypersonic flight control systems. This role involves algorithm design, tools development, and rigorous testing while collaborating...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by planning and executing innovative mechanical engineering projects while adapting conventional techniques to address complex challenges in nuclear power procurement and design...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$121K - $169K *

Champion the future of space exploration through innovative mechanical design and analysis for flight hardware structures, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver robust solutions for lun...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $182K *

Transform the future of space exploration by leading LRU development for a cutting-edge heavy-lift launch vehicle. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure safe human spaceflight and drive innovation...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$162K - $218K *

Lead the design of innovative mechanical systems for cryogenic quantum computing, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform complex challenges into practical solutions and prototypes that...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive the development and integration of aerospace electrical systems, ensuring performance and compliance from concept to production while collaborating cross-functionally to meet customer needs and...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$210K - $316K *

Shape the future of space autonomy by leading technical vision and execution. Drive mission-ready systems across multi-constellation environments, ensuring reliable operations and delivering decision...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $110K *

Develop innovative mechanical designs and support production processes, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to transition prototypes to full production while applying L...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power generation by providing expert electrical engineering leadership for major capital projects and critical asset reliability, ensuring safe and efficient o...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$130K - $155K *

Lead and mentor a dynamic mechanical engineering team, overseeing complex building projects. Drive design excellence, manage client relationships, and ensure quality deliverables while fostering a col...

Today

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

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering by leading innovative projects, mentoring talent, and ensuring quality design solutions for complex building systems while fostering str...

Today

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead mechanical engineering projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring designs are safe, cost-effective, and compliant. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions i...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$151K - $226K *

Contribute to mission success by providing technical expertise in systems engineering and integration for high-impact US Government initiatives in a classified environment, collaborating with diverse...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $150K *

Drive innovation in mechanical engineering to enhance demining systems. Collaborate with global teams to design, test, and deploy advanced solutions, ensuring operational excellence and safety in huma...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $150K *

Transform thermal management systems for advanced vehicle platforms, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and validate solutions th...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced navigation systems by guiding cross-functional teams, integrating cutting-edge technology, and ensuring robust solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment. Driv...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead cross-functional teams to design and test advanced navigation systems, ensuring robust solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment. Collaborate with engineers and suppliers to meet complex syste...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of aviation technology by driving innovative cloud solutions that enhance FAA operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in the aviation sector while collaborating with diverse te...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a team dedicated to pioneering space exploration by designing innovative mechanical systems. Collaborate with experts to create, analyze, and implement solutions that drive NASA's future missions...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$108K - $130K *

Transform engineering operations by leading teams to enhance manufacturing efficiency, drive innovation, and achieve sustainability goals while ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $135K *

Drive the effective management and analysis of requirements within a complex satellite communications program, ensuring high-quality documentation and stakeholder collaboration for successful project...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.