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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Hardware and Bus Systems
$140K - $179K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and analysis of propulsion systems for spacecraft. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance vehicle capabilities and ensure operational excellence in...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's delivering innovative spacecraft components. In this role, you'll design, prototype, and validate mechanical systems under tight deadlines while ensuring reliability and functionali...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Pioneer innovative mechanical designs and integration for payload hardware, ensuring mission success from concept through launch. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, flight-re...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive rigorous and innovative testing programs for next-gen seagliders, enhancing safety and performance through structured test plans. Collaborate across engineering teams to ensure successful execut...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer (Senior)
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer the development of innovative spacecraft mechanical systems, driving designs from concept through flight. Collaborate across teams to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver high-perf...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Develop and validate innovative mechanical components in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team focused on advancing boardsports and transportation technologies. Embrace hands-on challenges and drive produ...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer I (Environmental/Propulsion)
$77K - $106K *
Collaborate with senior engineers to analyze, design, and evaluate mechanical systems. Support project goals through data collection, technical documentation, and effective communication within cross...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer I (Environmental/Propulsion)
$77K - $106K *
Join a dynamic team to support senior engineers in analyzing and designing mechanical systems. Contribute to innovative projects in propulsion, structures, and environmental systems while developing y...
2 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Join a dynamic Propulsion team to drive innovative missile propulsion solutions. Oversee supplier development, ensure performance and safety goals, and collaborate cross-functionally to translate requ...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Transform propulsion systems by leading design, development, and integration efforts for advanced missile defense technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance an...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Systems Engineering Lead
$170K - $195K *
Shape the future of aviation as a Mechanical Systems Engineering Lead, driving end-to-end design and integration of aircraft systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performa...
1 week ago
$98K - $164K *
Lead the technical direction and project management of Gas Turbine initiatives, ensuring compliance with contract requirements while driving continuous improvement and effective communication across e...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as you drive technical project engineering for Gas Turbine projects, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement while coordinating with customers and cross-functional teams to...
1 week ago
$98K - $164K *
Lead the charge in managing Gas Turbine projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements, resolve issues, and deliver on customer r...
1 week ago
$95K - $149K *
Unlock potential by leading mechanical commissioning oversight for HVAC and facility systems. Ensure compliance with project requirements and readiness for operational acceptance through effective coo...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$88K - $105K *
Engage in hands-on mechanical engineering to deploy innovative systems in maritime environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot mechanical payloads, ensuring ope...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of engineering and maritime operations, integrating mechanical systems into autonomous vessels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and enha...
1 week ago
Propulsion Design Engineer (Raptor Engine Systems)
$100K - $160K *
Manage top-level design and configuration for Raptor engine systems, ensuring integration with Starship, alongside leading engineering changes and maintaining engineering documentation with a strong e...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement efficient manufacturing processes for aerospace hardware, ensuring quality and compliance standards are met throughout production...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $155K *
Lead the charge in process engineering for fuel projects, optimizing performance and safety while collaborating with contractors and teams to ensure operational excellence and compliance with industry...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Shape the future of fuel processing by leading engineering initiatives, optimizing performance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in a dynamic in...
2 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Structural Analyst, Integrated Design
$132K - $198K *
Lead the analysis and design of high-performance engine components, ensuring reliability and performance through thermal, structural, and dynamic evaluations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
2 weeks ago
Fluid and Propulsion Design Engineer III – Human Rated Crewed Lunar Lander
$121K - $169K *
Engineer innovative fluid systems for lunar landers, overseeing design, analysis, and testing. Collaborate with suppliers and manage hardware development from concept to operation, ensuring high-quali...
1 week ago
Fluid and Propulsion Design Engineer III – Human Rated Crewed Lunar Lander
$121K - $169K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing fluid systems for lunar landers. Collaborate with teams to create CAD models, perform analyses, and ensure manufacturability, contributing to sustainable in...
1 week ago
Fluid and Propulsion Design Engineer III – Human Rated Crewed Lunar Lander
$121K - $169K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing fluid systems for lunar landers, ensuring robust engineering solutions from concept to operation. Collaborate with teams to enhance system performance and r...
1 week ago
What does a propulsion engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.