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Contractual Aircraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Propulsion Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

Support the fielding of aircraft propulsion systems, including heavy fuel piston engines ... Prepare and review engineering documentation for delivery to peers, technical staff, executive ...

Slope

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166 - $220/hr

As a Propulsion Engineer, you will take designs from concept through prototype, test, and into ... Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems * Coordinate with engine vendors ...

DZYNE Technologies

Propulsion Engineer, Electric

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

O n-site Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Electric Propulsion Engineer to support the design, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for Group 1-2 electric aircraft. This ...

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Contractual Aircraft Propulsion Engineer information

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$48.5K

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How much do contractual aircraft propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual aircraft propulsion engineer in the United States is $80,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contractual Aircraft Propulsion Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectContractual Aircraft Propulsion EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in propulsion systemsAircraft maintenance license, certifications in aircraft systems
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, testing facilities, project sitesAircraft hangars, maintenance bases, repair shops
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, aerospace companies, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance service providers, repair stations

Contractual Aircraft Propulsion Engineers focus on designing, testing, and improving aircraft propulsion systems, often working on projects and in engineering environments. In contrast, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers perform routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance to ensure aircraft safety and compliance. Both roles require technical certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

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Contractual Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Aircraft Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,358 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Here you will work on core product development for rotorcraft and complex systems, including but not limited to avionics, batteries, mechanisms, structures, sensors and payloads. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines. The ideal candidate would be practical, hands-on and a self starter.
ABOUT THE JOB
Anduril is seeking a Propulsion Engineer team to join our Maneuver Dominance team in Costa Mesa, CA. As. Propulsion Engineer, you will take designs from concept through prototype, test, and into production on timelines measured in months. Our team operates at the intersection of high-performance rotating machinery, advanced manufacturing, and rapid flight test, delivering propulsion systems that are redefining what's possible for defense applications.
You will work on engine development in a lean, high-ownership culture where you directly shape the product and operate at a velocity to test and fly new hardware within months, not years.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Critical member of team for selection and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and fuel systems on unmanned air vehicles
  • Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems
  • Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems
  • Coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects
  • Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed
  • Critical member of team supporting CAD design for internal aerodynamic loft, surfaces and structures
  • Travel to test sites as needed
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 8+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned)
  • Professional experience with Turboshaft/Turboprop and Reciprocating engines
  • Knowledge of jet and piston engine fundamentals
  • Experience with use of engine cycle decks
  • Exposure to testing of engines or powertrain components
  • Experience designing mechanical parts and surface loft (CAD)
  • Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc)
  • BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering
  • Eligible to obtain and be able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in NX/Teamcenter
  • Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing
  • Knowledge and experience working with Engine Management Systems (EMS), OEM or motorsport
  • Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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