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Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer III

Adelanto, CA · On-site

Direct experience with aircraft propulsion engineering and systems, including gas turbine / internal combustion engine design and aircraft fuel and oil systems * Advanced knowledge of aircraft engine ...

General Atomics

Engineer III

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

Direct experience with aircraft propulsion engineering and systems, including gas turbine / internal combustion engine design and aircraft fuel and oil systems * Advanced knowledge of aircraft engine ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems * Coordinate with engine vendors ... Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems * Coordinate with engine vendors ... Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an ...

Protingent

Propulsion Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting Direct Hire Propulsion Engineer III opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Provide solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough ...

Protingent

Propulsion Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting Direct Hire Propulsion Engineer III opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Provide solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough ...

Stratolaunch

Deputy Lead Propulsion Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

... Engineer to support design, integration, testing, operations, and maintenance of the Talon-A ... aircraft rocket propulsion systems as a Deputy Lead. An ideal candidate will have both mechanical ...

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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 Jul 26, 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.

More about Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs
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:
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What job categories do people searching Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs are:
Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Aircraft Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,789 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Senior Propulsion Engineer

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

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 74,318 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

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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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