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Director 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 ...

DZYNE Technologies

Propulsion Engineer, Electric

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Propulsion Engineer, Electric Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: O n-site Position Summary We ... aircraft Required Skills/Qualifications: * 5-7 years of direct experience in electric propulsion ...

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 ...

SpaceWorks Enterprises

Propulsion Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

... direct hardware support in the lab or at the test site. The position is full-time and will be ... aircraft, or spacecraft systems * Hands-on experience in liquid rocket engine integration and ...

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Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer information

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$48.5K

$80.8K

$119K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for director 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 Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer vs Aircraft Propulsion Engineer?

AspectDirector Aircraft Propulsion EngineerAircraft Propulsion Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with extensive experience in propulsion systemsRequires a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, oversees projects, and collaborates with senior management in aerospace companiesFocuses on designing, testing, and analyzing propulsion systems, often working in labs or on aircraft
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace manufacturing, research, and development firmsCommonly employed in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering firms

The main difference is that the Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer holds a leadership role overseeing propulsion projects, while the Aircraft Propulsion Engineer focuses on technical design and analysis. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the director position involves more management responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs include:

Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Anduril Industriesexternal

$112K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

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
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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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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.

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