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Aerospace Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mach Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$80K - $170K/yr

Required Qualifications * 3+ years of experience in propulsion, aerospace, automotive, industrial testing, mechanical development, or related technical environments. Experience working with ...

Talnt

Engineering Manager

Stevens Point, WI · On-site

$135K - $140K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to help establish and scale engineering operations within a growing aerospace propulsion manufacturing facility. This role begins as a highly ...

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Aerospace Propulsion information

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How much do aerospace propulsion jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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.

How much do aerospace propulsion technicians make?

Aerospace propulsion technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work in maintenance, repair, and testing of jet engines and propulsion systems, requiring technical skills and safety training.

Is aerospace propulsion a good job?

Aerospace propulsion is a specialized engineering field focused on designing and developing engines for aircraft and spacecraft, requiring strong skills in physics, thermodynamics, and materials science. It offers opportunities in research, manufacturing, and testing environments, often requiring a bachelor's or higher degree and security clearances. The job can be rewarding for those interested in advanced technology and aerospace systems, with competitive salaries and growth potential in the industry.

What does aerospace propulsion do?

Aerospace propulsion involves designing and developing engines that generate thrust to power aircraft and spacecraft. Professionals in this field work with jet engines, rocket engines, and related systems, often requiring knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science. Their work ensures efficient, reliable propulsion systems for aviation and space exploration missions.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% 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.

Head of Engineering - Flight Hardware & Propulsion Systems

Approach Venture

Long Beach, CA

$170K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Head of Engineering - Flight Hardware and Propulsion Systems

Long Beach, California | On-site


Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed advanced manufacturing company is developing next-generation production technologies for aerospace, defense, and energy applications. The team is focused on building and delivering high-performance hardware with significantly reduced lead times, starting with large structural and propulsion-related systems for demanding environments. This role will lead engineering execution across flight hardware development, mechanical system design, qualification, and multidisciplinary product development efforts. The Head of Engineering will work closely with company leadership to drive technical direction, support customer hardware programs, and help scale engineering capabilities as the company grows. The position is highly hands-on and best suited for someone who has personally designed, analyzed, tested, and delivered complex aerospace hardware systems in fast-paced technical environments.


About Us

We are an early-stage engineering and manufacturing company focused on advanced aerospace hardware and production technologies. Our team brings experience from launch systems, propulsion, industrial automation, manufacturing, and high-performance engineering organizations. We operate in a collaborative environment that values technical depth, rapid iteration, practical execution, and delivering real hardware to customers.


Job Duties

  • Lead engineering development efforts across flight-critical and safety-critical aerospace hardware systems
  • Own system-level engineering execution from concept development through testing, qualification, and production release
  • Drive mechanical design activities involving structures, fluids, thermal systems, pressure-containing hardware, and integrated mechanical assemblies
  • Support development of propulsion-adjacent systems including tanks, fluid hardware, structural assemblies, and aerospace subsystems
  • Oversee structural, thermal, and mechanical analysis activities to support hardware reliability and performance
  • Translate customer and product requirements into manufacturable, testable, and certifiable engineering solutions
  • Partner closely with manufacturing, test, controls, materials, and operations teams throughout hardware development cycles
  • Lead qualification and validation efforts including pressure testing, vibration testing, environmental testing, and root cause investigations
  • Drive rapid prototyping, hardware iteration, design refinement, and engineering problem-solving activities
  • Establish engineering standards, technical review processes, documentation practices, and execution workflows
  • Mentor and lead engineers across multidisciplinary development programs while remaining directly involved in technical execution
  • Help scale the engineering organization and support long-term product and technology development efforts


Qualifications

  • 8+ years of engineering experience within aerospace, propulsion, advanced hardware, or high-performance engineering environments
  • Demonstrated ownership of flight-critical or safety-critical systems from design through qualification and delivery
  • Strong background in mechanical system design involving structures, fluids, thermal systems, propulsion hardware, or integrated aerospace systems
  • Experience serving as a responsible engineer or technical owner for complex hardware systems or subsystems
  • Hands-on experience with hardware development, integration, testing, and troubleshooting
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals including stress analysis, materials, thermodynamics, and system integration
  • Experience leading engineering programs or technical teams in fast-paced startup or R&D-focused environments
  • Ability to manage multiple technical efforts while balancing execution speed with engineering rigor
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • U.S. Person status required due to the nature of the work and customer base


Preferred Experience

  • Experience with propulsion systems, pressure vessels, propellant tanks, or fluid system hardware
  • Background developing launch vehicle, spacecraft, aviation, or other aerospace structural systems
  • Familiarity with qualification standards and aerospace testing environments
  • Experience solving multidisciplinary engineering challenges involving structures, thermal systems, fluids, and materials
  • Exposure to advanced manufacturing or vertically integrated aerospace hardware environments
  • Experience mentoring engineers and building high-performing technical teams
  • Familiarity with production-oriented hardware development and qualification workflows


Why Join Us

  • Opportunity to lead development of highly complex aerospace hardware systems from concept through delivery
  • High-impact role with significant ownership across engineering execution, product development, and technical strategy
  • Work alongside an experienced engineering team with backgrounds spanning aerospace, propulsion, manufacturing, and advanced technology development
  • Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace, defense, and energy applications
  • Early-stage environment with meaningful technical influence, leadership growth, and equity upside
  • Fast-moving development environment focused on building and delivering real hardware


Compensation Details

$170,000 - $220,000





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