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Electric Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$102.8K

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How much do electric propulsion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for electric propulsion in the United States is $102,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is electric propulsion?

An Electric Propulsion job involves the design, development, testing, and implementation of propulsion systems that use electrical energy to generate thrust. Engineers in this field work with technologies like ion thrusters and Hall-effect thrusters, primarily for spacecraft applications. Responsibilities may include system integration, performance analysis, and improving efficiency for deep-space missions. These roles typically require expertise in plasma physics, power electronics, and spacecraft engineering.

What does someone working in electric propulsion do?

Professionals in Electric Propulsion often work on projects involving the design, testing, and integration of electric drive systems for vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, ships, or advanced automobiles. Daily responsibilities may include developing powertrain architectures, troubleshooting performance issues, coordinating with mechanical and software engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. The role frequently involves hands-on testing in laboratory or field environments and may also require documentation, reporting, and interaction with clients or regulatory bodies. This collaborative and cross-functional work environment provides excellent opportunities to learn from experts in related fields and contribute to transformative transportation technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in electric propulsion?

To thrive in Electric Propulsion, you generally need a strong background in electrical engineering or related fields, with experience in power electronics, electric motor design, and control systems. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), test equipment, CAD tools, and industry certifications like EIT or PE are often required. Problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of electric propulsion systems in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and marine transport.

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What cities are hiring for Electric Propulsion jobs?

Cities with the most Electric Propulsion job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Electric Propulsion jobs?

The most popular types of Electric Propulsion jobs are:

What states have the most Electric Propulsion jobs?

States with the most job openings for Electric Propulsion jobs include:

Infographic showing various Electric Propulsion job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,825 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Aeronautics & Astronautics (Space/Electric Propulsion)

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site

$6.4K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


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Job description

Description
The William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Washington seeks highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholars to work on next-generation electric propulsion concepts for very-low-Earth orbit (vLEO) satellites. The goal of this project is to improve the science and technology of electric propulsion concepts that utilize atmospheric gases for propellant (i.e. Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to research and develop novel thruster configurations using state-of-the-art facilities, explore fundamental plasma dynamics and non-equilibrium plasma chemistry inherent to air-breathing thrusters, and assess propulsion performance using industry-standard thrust stands.
The successful candidates will work with Prof. Justin Little in the Space Propulsion and Advanced Concepts Engineering (SPACE) Lab. We are looking for candidates interested in exploring at least one of the following ideas:
  • High-pulse-rate pulsed inductive thrusters
  • Non-conventional Hall effect thruster configurations
  • RF plasmas for material testing of vLEO spacecraft surfaces

Candidates will have the opportunity to engage with the electric propulsion and space communities through attendance at conferences, meetings, and networking events. They will receive hands-on research mentorship and professional development support.
This full-time 100% FTE position is offered for nontenured 1 year (12 months) with potential for renewal depending on job performance and funding availability. The base salary range for this position will be $6,498/month ($77,976/year[RR1] ). The anticipated start for this position is December 15, 2024, or soon thereafter.
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.[RR2]
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Completion of a PhD in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field at the time of the appointment.
  • Experience in experimental plasma physics.
  • Ability to function and thrive in a collaborative environment.
  • Experience in publishing articles in peer reviewed journals.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Interest in mentoring / supervising graduate and undergraduate students.
  • Ability to manage priorities and timelines.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Expertise in the design and testing of electric propulsion systems.
  • Experience with plasma diagnostics such as Langmuir probes, emissive probes, retarding potential energy analyzers, among others.
  • Experience with thrust stands for electric propulsion performance measurements.
  • Experience with design and testing pulsed power circuits.
  • Experience with RF plasma sources.
  • Experience with building and maintaining vacuum systems.
  • Experience in building equipment using a machine shop
  • Expertise in reduced-order modeling of plasmas, including plasma chemistry.

Application Instructions
For full consideration, applicants should submit via Interfolio, the following by December 31st:
  • Cover letter
    • Letter should be no more than one page detailing
      1. their research experience
      2. how their interests would fit the project
      3. career plans
      4. available start date
  • Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications)
  • 2 letters of recommendation

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