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.
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Lead the charge in ensuring the safety of spaceflight payload systems. Collaborate with engineering teams, conduct technical reviews, and support ISS safety panel meetings throughout project phases to...
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Lead the charge in enhancing nuclear power plant efficiency through advanced mechanical analysis. Collaborate with clients and teams to optimize systems, conduct evaluations, and mentor junior enginee...
6 days ago
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Unlock potential by leading mechanical design projects, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams to create 3D models and schematics. Drive innovative solutions while mentoring junior designers and e...
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Design and support the development of innovative autonomous spacecraft. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust mechanical systems are buildable, testable, and maintainable at all stages of the prod...
3 weeks ago
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Lead the charge in designing and delivering complex mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while mentoring junior engineers and managing multidis...
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Lead Engineer - Engine Dynamics
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Elevate the performance of engine dynamics by developing models and analyses to enhance design assessments, troubleshoot vibration issues, and drive improvements in durability and operability across m...
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Lead the charge in designing innovative electrical and control systems for water and wastewater facilities, ensuring seamless integration of technology for efficient operation and monitoring...
3 weeks ago
Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer or Principal Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer
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Optimize flight control algorithms and simulation tools for advanced air vehicles. Collaborate in a fast-paced environment, contributing to research and development of GNC systems to ensure performanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Special Structural Analysis Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$84K - $129K *
Shape the future of clean energy by contributing to the structural analysis and design of nuclear power facilities. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on innovative projects, applying your expe...
3 weeks ago
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Space Avionics / Computing Engineer
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Join a team that's leading innovative digital electronics design for space applications. Shape solutions for command/control systems and ensure high reliability through comprehensive lifecycle managem...
Reposted 1 month ago
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Innovate at the forefront of avionics as you lead production readiness and manufacturability initiatives. Support cross-functional collaborations to enhance design and supply chain strategies for next...
Reposted 5 days ago
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Empower your career by collaborating across engineering disciplines to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while supporting manufacturing proce...
1 week ago
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Elevate your career by designing and improving mechanical systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment...
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Principal Flight Software Engineer
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Champion the architectural vision and technical excellence of spacecraft flight software, ensuring robust design and integration for critical space missions while leading engineering standards and tea...
3 weeks ago
Principal Flight Software Engineer
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Join as a Principal Flight Software Engineer, leading architecture and standards for flight software in spacecraft missions. Influence program direction and drive the development of safety-critical em...
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Principal Electrical Engineer 3 – Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)
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Champion the design and testing of electrical ground support equipment, driving innovation and excellence in support of launch vehicle integration. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality solu...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer Manager / Consultant - Nuclear
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Drive impactful electrical engineering projects, leading teams to deliver innovative solutions for nuclear power plants while ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction through effective co...
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Unlock your potential as a leader in engineering, overseeing critical systems and guiding a team of professionals. Drive innovation and ensure optimal performance in submarine systems through strategi...
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Pioneer innovative solutions in marine structural engineering for diverse port and terminal projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and lead initiatives that enhance operational efficiency...
Reposted 6 days ago
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Lead and coordinate the Engineering and Infrastructure teams for critical launch operations, ensuring optimal system performance to meet mission requirements while overseeing operation validations and...
Reposted 1 week ago
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Elevate launch operations by leading infrastructure systems teams, ensuring mission readiness and equipment maintenance while coordinating critical support functions for operations across both coasts...
Reposted 1 week ago
Aeronautical Engineer Asc Mgr - L4
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Elevate your career by leading innovative aircraft utility systems design and support. Guide a talented engineering team, manage project schedules and budgets, and drive solutions for advanced aerospa...
Today
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Elevate the critical minerals supply chain by leading mechanical engineering projects. Drive innovative refining processes and ensure optimal equipment design and performance while collaborating with...
Reposted 2 weeks 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.