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Combustion Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

Director, Propulsion Engineering

TX · On-site

The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft ... Strong technical foundation in propulsion system design, fluid dynamics, combustion, turbomachinery ...

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics * Experience designing and developing inlet geometry

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$95K - $130K/yr

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics * Experience designing and developing inlet geometry

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

San Jose, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics * Experience designing and developing inlet geometry

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$89K - $123K/yr

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics * Experience designing and developing inlet geometry

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$89K - $123K/yr

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics * Experience designing and developing inlet geometry

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

San Diego, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics * Experience designing and developing inlet geometry

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All JobsCombustion Propulsion Engineer Jobs

Combustion Propulsion Engineer information

See salary details

$11K

$88.2K

$131K

How much do combustion propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion propulsion engineer in the United States is $88,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Combustion Propulsion Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combustion Propulsion Engineer, a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics is essential, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), combustion modeling tools, and experience with propulsion testing systems are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills that set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient propulsion systems, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and ensuring successful project delivery in a high-stakes engineering environment.

What is a Combustion Propulsion Engineer?

A Combustion Propulsion Engineer is a specialized engineer who designs, develops, and tests systems that produce thrust through the combustion of fuels, such as rocket engines, jet engines, or internal combustion engines. Their work involves analyzing fuel efficiency, optimizing combustion processes, and ensuring the safety and reliability of propulsion systems. They play a crucial role in industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy, working on technologies that power aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles.

What are the typical interdisciplinary collaborations involved in a Combustion Propulsion Engineer's role?

Combustion Propulsion Engineers frequently work closely with professionals from a variety of disciplines, including materials science, aerodynamics, systems engineering, and manufacturing. This collaborative approach ensures that propulsion systems are optimized for performance, safety, and efficiency. Regular meetings and joint projects with these teams are common, especially when troubleshooting issues or integrating new technologies. These collaborations not only enhance problem-solving but also provide valuable learning and professional growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Combustion Propulsion Engineer vs Rocket Propulsion Engineer?

AspectCombustion Propulsion EngineerRocket Propulsion Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering; certifications in propulsion systemsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; specialized certifications in rocket propulsion
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, testing sitesTesting facilities, aerospace companies, launch sites
Industry UsageMilitary, commercial aviation, space agenciesSpace industry, defense contractors, aerospace firms
Common Search IntentDesigning and testing combustion systems for enginesDeveloping and testing rocket propulsion systems

While both roles focus on propulsion systems, Combustion Propulsion Engineers primarily work on engines that use combustion processes, such as jet engines and gas turbines. Rocket Propulsion Engineers specialize in designing and testing engines for rockets. The roles overlap in skills and industry but differ in application focus and specific expertise.

Infographic showing various Combustion Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,214 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer II, Combustion Devices

Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer II, Combustion Devices

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$112K - $143K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.

Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Team:

The Engine Manufacturing team is dedicated to delivering high-performance engines and advancing innovative manufacturing systems that continuously improve cost, quality, and lead time. You're not just executing on designs; you actively provide input that shapes new hardware iterations and regularly interface with engineers to make critical decisions for the Aeon R program. Having successfully developed and refined processes for our initial development engines, the team is now focused on producing flight engines at rate for Terran R's aggressive launch manifest.

About the Role:

  • Oversee the end-to-end manufacturing for the development and production of Combustion Device (fire-breathing) hardware for Aeon-R and Vacuum Engine programs.
  • Develop initial processes required to build the hardware, implement into production, and drive process improvements to enable rapid production ramp.
  • Closely collaborate with stakeholders within (machine shop, additive, etc.) and external to Manufacturing (Supply Chain, Propulsion Design, etc. ) to drive manufacturability and scalability in your hardware.
  • Ensure delivery to engine to meet program targets, as well as drive continuous improvement, new product development, and strategy for Combustion Device manufacturing at Relativity as a whole.

About You:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
  • Minimum 2+ years of experience building and testing hardware in a manufacturing environment.
  • Extensive experience authoring work instructions and/or process procedures to manufacture complex assemblies.
  • Experience interfacing with design engineering, manufacturing, and production personnel in a production environment.
  • Experience in executing and driving projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to understand - and effectively advocate for - Design for Manufacturing principals.

Nice to haves but not required:

  • 3+ years of experience building and testing hardware in a manufacturing environment.
  • Extensive experience with Combustion Device Design or Manufacturing.
  • Experience in scaling from development to high-rate production.

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:
$112,000—$143,000 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.