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.
Fluid and Propulsion Design Engineer III – Human Rated Crewed Lunar Lander
$121K - $169K *
Engineer fluid systems for lunar landers, overseeing design, analysis, and testing. Collaborate with suppliers and manage hardware development from concept to operation, ensuring high-quality, manufac...
1 week ago
Lead Driveline Mechanical Engineer
$98K - $164K *
Champion innovative design solutions for wind turbine components, driving technical excellence and continuous improvement from concept to field support. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance produ...
1 week ago
$93K - $134K *
Lead the design and development of mechanical systems for DoD programs, ensuring feasibility and compliance with specifications. Collaborate on technical documentation and support system integration t...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Engineer innovative mechanical systems that transform turbine cores into scalable, deployable products. Oversee design and packaging for efficiency and serviceability, ensuring rapid installation and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's integral to national security, supporting satellite command and control operations. Contribute to mission-critical system reliability through monitoring, integration, and performanc...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Join us to lead the design and delivery of innovative gas-to-nuclear projects. As a senior technical authority, you'll drive engineering decisions, manage risks, and ensure compliance across all proje...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion & Machinery Installation Planning
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing high-precision installation processes for propulsion and machinery systems on autonomous vessels, ensuring alignment and quality standards are met throughout...
1 week ago
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the mechanical architecture of advanced jet engine systems, guiding design from prototype to flight qualification. Drive technical decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure high standards in a fast...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Lead the design and development of advanced satellite platforms, optimizing system architectures for performance, reliability, and cost. Collaborate cross-functionally to translate mission requirement...
3 weeks ago
$67K - $113K *
Support various development projects by creating models and drawings, optimizing designs, and solving engineering problems to enhance vehicle performance and cost efficiency, in a fast-paced team envi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$67K - $113K *
Grow your career with a pivotal role enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency by designing mechanical components, conducting trade studies, and solving engineering challenges within fast-paced dev...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Engineer, Solid Rocket Motors
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing efficient solid rocket motor production lines, ensuring safety, lean processes, and high throughput. Collaborate on tooling, inspection, and supplier mana...
Reposted 3 days ago
Propulsion Aerothermal Analyst
$100K - $120K *
Develop and analyze propulsion aerothermal systems for orbital launch vehicles. Collaborate across design, testing, and operational phases to ensure optimal performance and reliability in a fast-paced...
Today
$133K - $203K *
Deliver innovative solutions as a Principal Mechanical Energetics Engineer, leading the design and development of missile systems. Collaborate with suppliers and engineering teams to ensure high-perfo...
Yesterday
Manufacturing Engineer, Spacecraft Avionics
$140K - $205K *
Engage cross-functional teams to oversee avionics production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality hardware for spacecraft. Drive project execution and coordinate efforts across engineering, manuf...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of mechanical engineering projects by leveraging your design expertise and project management skills to deliver innovative solutions across various industries, while collaborating wit...
4 weeks ago
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Engines
$145K - $203K *
Drive the systems architecture for a LOX/LNG booster engine, ensuring integration across all technical disciplines. Collaborate to enhance performance and reliability while leading team efforts in des...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $165K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clean energy through innovative fuel performance analyses, modeling, and simulation, ensuring the reliability of next-generation reactor fuels while collabora...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $165K *
Drive innovative fuel performance analysis to optimize design and support advanced fission solutions. Collaborate across teams, develop methodologies, and document findings to contribute to our clean...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in aerospace by developing cutting-edge composite products for space applications. Collaborate with experts to manage projects from design to testing, ensuring te...
3 weeks ago
$66K - $99K *
Join a team that's redefining the future of renewable energy by supporting hands-on engineering tasks in electrolyzer and PEM fuel cell development. Collaborate and innovate while enhancing your mecha...
3 weeks ago
$66K - $99K *
Drive innovation in stack engineering by supporting electrolyzer and fuel cell projects while gaining hands-on expertise. Engage in testing, teardown analysis, and collaborative development of lab cap...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Transform engineering excellence by leading a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team. Drive strategic initiatives and foster innovation while ensuring technical rigor across a pivotal organization committed...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Gas Turbine
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by providing engineering support for gas turbine engines, ensuring technical documentation and logistics meet Navy standards while collaborating on critical projects and enhancing...
4 days ago
$103K - $181K *
Shape the future of aviation infrastructure by leading engineering projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving technical excellence in low voltage power distribution systems across div...
Today
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.