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Entry Level Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Propulsion Test Engineer I

Kiln, MS · On-site

As an entry level Propulsion Test Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our Terran R engines and stages. Entry level engineers at our Stennis ...

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How much do entry level propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level propulsion engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Propulsion Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, propulsion modeling tools, and standard testing equipment is commonly required, and internships or co-op experience provide a practical advantage. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication will set you apart when collaborating on complex engineering projects. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and innovation necessary in developing and testing advanced propulsion systems.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an Entry Level Propulsion Engineer?

As an Entry Level Propulsion Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include supporting the design, analysis, and testing of propulsion components such as engines, thrusters, or fuel systems. You may assist with data collection during engine tests, perform calculations or simulations, and collaborate with senior engineers to troubleshoot performance issues. Expect to spend time reviewing technical drawings, documenting findings, and participating in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects. This role offers hands-on experience with propulsion technologies and provides a strong foundation for career advancement in the aerospace or automotive sectors.

What is an Entry Level Propulsion Engineer job?

An Entry Level Propulsion Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, analysis, testing, and development of propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, or other vehicles. They work with senior engineers to perform calculations, create models, and analyze performance data to ensure efficient and reliable propulsion. Typical tasks include researching new technologies, troubleshooting issues, and validating system performance through simulations and experiments. This role requires a solid foundation in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical or aerospace engineering principles. It is an excellent starting point for engineers looking to specialize in propulsion and gain hands-on experience in the aerospace or automotive industries.

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Entry Level Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Propulsion Test Engineer I

Propulsion Test Engineer I

Relativity Space

Kiln, MS • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 14 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 Stennis Test team designs, builds, and operates Relativity's propulsion and stage test stands. Team members are hands-on with large-scale, complex systems including fully integrated engines and stage assemblies, pushing hardware to the limits and directly contributing to flight readiness. The work is fast-paced and highly operational, ideal for those with backgrounds in aviation, automotive, manufacturing, offshore operations, industrial systems, construction, or adjacent industries. You'll work in a close-knit, dynamic environment where collaboration between technicians, operators, and engineers is not only encouraged, but expected. As the company scales, the Stennis Test team becomes even more critical to unlocking our next phase of growth: proving out full-stage systems and paving the way for routine, reliable flights of Terran R.

About the Role:

As an entry level Propulsion Test Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our Terran R engines and stages. Entry level engineers at our Stennis facility work in partnership with experienced operations and ground systems engineers and technicians to build and modify test facilities, as well as participate in test campaigns to flight qualify our hardware. You will be directly engaged in daily test operations, maintenance, construction, and commissioning activities in the field. The entry level role may include aspects of both designing ground systems [Design focus] and conducting test operations [Operations focus].

[Design focus]

  • Design advanced propulsion test stands including 3D modeling, fluids, structural, and thermal analysis, fabrication drawings, fluids P&IDs, component lists, and detailed work instructions
  • Supervise the construction, commissioning, and initial operations of these facilities
  • Solve a variety of technical problems, across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, cost, and long-term impact
  • Support operations on and perform related improvements to existing test stands

[Operations focus]

  • Create, modify, and optimize test sequences, procedures, and data review processes
  • Conduct complex propulsion test operations to assess performance of rocket engines and stages
  • Directly control and receive telemetry from the test stand and test articles through GUIs and an integrated software suite for control, automation, and data visualization
  • Help develop new rocket engine propulsion designs based on real test data
  • Potentially travel to production and launch locations, up to 25%.
    • This role requires a valid driver's license in order to operate vehicles while on the test site

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
    • Prior experience in aerospace is not required
  • Hands-on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at work/home/school
  • This role requires a valid driver's license in order to operate vehicles while on the test site

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Drive to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
  • Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal, Structures, and Fluids
  • Hands-on experience with metalworking, welding, hydraulics, manufacturing, etc.
  • Working knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, and instrumentation
  • Ability to understand and develop fluid P&IDs (Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams) for large-scale test stands and supporting ground equipment
  • Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
  • Ability to work occasional evening shifts

Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on-site work at our government partner location in Stennis, Mississippi.

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:
$90,000—$124,500 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.