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Chemical Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Busek Co Inc

Accounts Payable Associate

Natick, MA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

Our products and technologies include electric propulsion systems, chemical propulsion, and advanced material development. Join our team to work on cutting-edge projects that shape the space industry.

Busek Co Inc

Data Analyst

Natick, MA · On-site

Our products and technologies include electric propulsion systems, chemical propulsion, and advanced material development. Join our team to work on cutting-edge projects that shape the space industry.

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Chemical Propulsion information

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How much do chemical propulsion jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical propulsion in the United States is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is chemical propulsion?

Chemical propulsion is a method of generating thrust for rockets and spacecraft by using chemical reactions, typically involving the combustion of propellants. In this process, fuel and an oxidizer react in a combustion chamber to produce hot gases that are expelled at high speed through a nozzle, creating thrust according to Newton's third law of motion. Chemical propulsion systems are commonly used in both launch vehicles and spacecraft due to their high thrust capabilities, making them essential for escaping Earth's gravity and maneuvering in space. They come in two main types: liquid-propellant and solid-propellant engines. Each type has its own advantages, such as controllability for liquids and simplicity for solids.

What is the difference between Chemical Propulsion vs Rocket Propulsion Technician?

AspectChemical PropulsionRocket Propulsion Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in propulsion systemsTechnical diploma or degree, specialized training in rocket systems
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, testing sitesLaunch sites, testing facilities, aerospace companies
Industry UsageSpace agencies, defense contractors, aerospace firmsSpacecraft manufacturers, aerospace companies, government agencies

Both roles involve working with propulsion systems, but Chemical Propulsion focuses on designing and developing propulsion technologies, while Rocket Propulsion Technicians primarily handle assembly, testing, and maintenance of rocket engines. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path within the aerospace industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in chemical propulsion engineering, and how can they be addressed?

Chemical propulsion engineers often face challenges such as managing the complexity of propulsion system designs, ensuring safety in handling hazardous propellants, and meeting strict performance and environmental regulations. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including materials scientists, safety engineers, and project managers—helps address these challenges. Staying updated on advancements in simulation tools and best practices, as well as engaging in continuous learning, is key to overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring the reliability of propulsion systems in aerospace applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical propulsion engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or chemical engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with propulsion simulation software, CAD tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as EIT or PE can be essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set top professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing safe and efficient propulsion systems in high-stakes aerospace environments.
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Chemical Propulsion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Propulsion job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,592 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is "We Deliver"; we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. The Solid Motors and Propulsion Technologies section is looking for a Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Propulsion Engineering). In this role, you will perform technical evaluations and assessments of propulsion systems for high-priority space missions. Your work may involve propulsion system development, manufacturing, test, and operations for multiple programs. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and effectively communicate results and recommendations to inform critical decisions.

This position is located in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Developing and applying new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of space propulsion systems in ground test and flight

  • Identifying, assessing, and mitigating hardware and operational risks associated with components, systems, and interfaces

  • Providing real-time support for customer tests, flights, and anomaly resolution efforts

  • Participating in multidisciplinary teams including technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, flight data reviews, and other activities to assess flight readiness of propulsion systems

  • Assisting with propulsion laboratory experimental efforts, including test execution, data analysis, and design upgrades

  • Preparing reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices, government personnel, and other customers

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of Technical Staff - Propulsion Engineering:

  • Master's degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field

  • Four years or more of applicable professional or academic experience

  • Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics as applied to the design, evaluation, and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough independent analyses on deep technical challenges

  • Experience with the design, development, qualification, and acceptance requirements of propulsion systems: solid rocket motors, rocket engine, and/or hypersonic systems

  • Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally approximately 20% of the time to support customer needs

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist:

  • Six years or more of applicable professional or educational experience

  • Experience evaluating and contributing to the development of new propulsion systems and advanced technologies

  • Experience as a key technical point of contact during project team activities and technical reviews

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Current secret-level clearance, or higher

  • PhD from an accredited program in a STEM discipline

  • Experience in one or more of the following: subsonic and/or supersonic combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, rotordynamics, rocket engine/motor testing, material properties, or propulsion system engineering

  • Hands-on experience with thermal-fluid and/or propulsion system testing or experimentation

  • Advanced proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB

  • Demonstrated ability to analyze high sample rate datasets using frequency and order domain techniques, including experience with spectral analysis tools and software

  • Working knowledge of digital engineering techniques and applications

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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