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Aerospace Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

Director, Propulsion Engineering

TX · On-site

About Firefly Aerospace As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a ... About the Role The Propulsion Director provides technical and organizational leadership for the ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$112K - $159K/yr

Minimum Qualifications: * 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems. * Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability ...

Heart Aerospace

Propulsion Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$124K - $216K/yr

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 ... Your Mission We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join our Dynamic Propulsion team in Torrance ...

Heart Aerospace

Propulsion Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $216K/yr

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 ... Your Mission We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join our Dynamic Propulsion team in Torrance ...

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Test) (R5089)

Dallas, TX

$150K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. * 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion testing or aerospace development programs. * Strong ...

North Wind

Propulsion System Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Propulsion System Engineer (Senior and Principal levels considered) The Propulsion System Engineer ... This role contributes to aerospace system design and optimization by delivering accurate numerical ...

Momentus Space LLC

Propulsion Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system. OUR PEOPLE Daring problems require ...

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Engine) (R5086)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. * 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion system development, integration, test, or flight ...

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Test) (R5089)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. * 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion testing or aerospace development programs. * Strong ...

Momentus Space LLC

Propulsion Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system. OUR PEOPLE Daring problems require ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Minimum Qualifications: * 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems. * Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability ...

Shield AI

Manager, Propulsion (Test) (R5089)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. * 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion testing or aerospace development programs. * Strong ...

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Aerospace Propulsion information

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How much do aerospace propulsion jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace propulsion in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerospace Propulsion position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Aerospace Propulsion, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with propulsion modeling software, CAD tools, and industry certifications such as EIT or PE is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of propulsion systems vital to air and space travel.

What is an Aerospace Propulsion job?

An Aerospace Propulsion job involves the design, development, maintenance, and testing of engines and propulsion systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. Professionals in this field work with jet engines, rocket motors, and other propulsion technologies to ensure efficiency, safety, and performance. They may be responsible for troubleshooting engine issues, improving fuel efficiency, and integrating advanced materials and technologies. Aerospace propulsion specialists are employed by defense organizations, aerospace manufacturers, and government agencies. Their work is critical to advancing air and space travel.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Aerospace Propulsion professional?

Aerospace Propulsion professionals generally spend their days designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems such as jet engines, rockets, or turbines. This involves collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams including systems engineers, test technicians, and quality assurance specialists to ensure performance and safety standards are met. You may also be involved in troubleshooting existing propulsion units, updating technical documentation, and supporting research into new engine designs or materials. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies are a routine part of this dynamic and innovative role.

More about Aerospace Propulsion jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Propulsion jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Propulsion job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Propulsion jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Propulsion jobs are:
What states have the most Aerospace Propulsion jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Propulsion jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Propulsion jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Propulsion jobs are:
Aerospace Propulsion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Propulsion job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,862 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

Manager, Propulsion (Systems & Components) (R5087)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX • On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion subsystem and component development for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees the development of flight-critical propulsion hardware including valves, ducting, secondary structures, thermal systems, bleed air systems, oil systems, and integrated mechanical components operating in challenging thermal, vibration, and mass-constrained environments.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team of propulsion engineers and technicians responsible for cradle-to-grave development of propulsion components and subsystem architectures. This role requires strong technical leadership, execution ownership, and close coordination across propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, controls, and flight test organizations.
What you'll do:
  • Lead propulsion subsystem and component development activities from concept through flight operations.
  • Mentor propulsion REs responsible for propulsion hardware design, integration, testing, and operational support.
  • Lead the design and development of propulsion components requiring careful balance of mass, thermal capability, structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance.
  • Guide engineering teams through challenging thermal and flow environments involving high temperatures, pressure loads, vibration, and transient operation.
  • Drive component-level architecture and integration decisions for valves, actuators, ducts, mounts, and supporting propulsion hardware.
  • Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and vehicle teams.
  • Support technical reviews, integration planning, and root cause investigations.
  • Drive team execution, staffing priorities, technical rigor, and measurable results.
  • Coordinate supplier activities and technical deliverables supporting propulsion hardware.

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace propulsion, fluid systems, or hardware development environments.
  • Experience leading engineering teams or complex subsystem development efforts.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace component design, structural integration, and thermal/mechanical design constraints.
  • Hands-on experience supporting development hardware and rapid iteration programs.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience designing propulsion subsystems including valves, bleed air systems, oil systems, ducting, thermal systems, or structural integration hardware.
  • Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, FEA, GFSSP, or REFPROP.
  • Experience designing high-performance aerospace components operating in thermally stressed or high-vibration environments.
  • Familiarity with valve design, sealing strategies, high-temperature materials, and flow path optimization.
  • Background in rocket propulsion, turbomachinery, or high-temperature aerospace hardware.
  • Experience operating in test-driven aerospace development environments.
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.

$150,000 - $230,000 a year
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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