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Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer information

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$41K

$102.8K

$167.5K

How much do liquid rocket propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for liquid rocket propulsion engineer 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 the difference between Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer vs Rocket Propulsion Engineer?

AspectLiquid Rocket Propulsion EngineerRocket Propulsion Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering; specialized knowledge in liquid propulsion systemsSimilar educational background; focus on various propulsion types including liquid, solid, and hybrid
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test liquid propulsion systems for rockets and spacecraftDesign and analyze different propulsion systems, including liquid, solid, and hybrid engines
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, space agencies, and private space companies focusing on liquid propulsionUsed across aerospace, defense, and space industries for various propulsion applications

While both roles involve propulsion system design and testing, the Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer specializes specifically in liquid propulsion systems, whereas the Rocket Propulsion Engineer may work with a broader range of propulsion types. The choice depends on the focus of the project or employer.

Infographic showing various Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 60% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,825 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Liquid Rocket Research Engineer

Liquid Rocket Research Engineer

Sierra Lobo, Inc.

Edwards, CA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&AS) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. AFRL conducts rocket propulsion research, as well as developing associated test processes and facilities.

The Liquid Rocket Research Engineer will provide expert technical advisory support for a variety of rocket propulsion development projects. Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development on various engine and launch vehicle technologies to enhance the nation's Space Access capability.

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at Edwards AFB, CA.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Integrated Rocket Systems Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development on various missile, rocket systems, space propulsion, and launch vehicle technologies to enhance the nation's Missile and Space capability.

Responsibilities would span from aiding internal research and external technology development efforts, facilitating flight-testing activities on a high tempo development program, evaluating contractor progress, and tracking progress of external contracts.  These activities include overseeing and supporting the government project managers on design, fabrication, and testing of flight test articles, test campaigns, reviews, and program planning. Furthermore, the Research Engineer would perform design/evaluation of various propulsion concepts, developing test plans, schedules, and procedures, visiting contractor and test facilities to ensure program goals are met within budget and schedule. 

The engineer will focus heavily on applied technology and demonstration efforts with a heavy emphasis on technology transition. The selected individual's activities will often span various disciplines such as missile design, liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, integrated vehicle systems, flight system integration, and operational evaluations. The group has extensive collaborations with other portions of the Air Force and Space Force, as well as other government agencies including NASA, and industry, and the candidate will be working closely with many other organizations.  Travel will be required.

Qualifications

REQUISITE SKILLS:

  • A self-motivated drive of increasing one's expertise and familiarity within a new technical discipline or technical area.
  • An experienced hard-working, go-getter passionate about rockets.
  • The successful candidate needs to be independent, driven, motivated. They need to be able to identify what needs accomplished and pursue objectives with minimal guidance.
  • An understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
  • A systems thinking approach to problem solving.
  • Familiarity with rocket propulsion desirable.
  • Familiarity with testing of complex systems desirable.
  • The candidate shall have a good command of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • A good knowledge of the English language is required. 
  • The candidate shall be able to operate in a team environment, and shall have excellent interpersonal, reporting and communication skills (written and verbal).

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Candidates must have earned a B.S. degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering or a similar discipline.
  • The candidate must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a US security clearance.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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