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Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefly Aerospace

Test Engineer IV (Propulsion)

TX · On-site

As a Test Engineer, you will take ownership of test operations for the Spectre propulsion engine ... You will leverage your experience with liquid rocket propulsion to plan and execute critical ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for liquid rocket propulsion test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Description As a Propulsion Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for liquid rocket propulsion test operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Conduct test operations of liquid rocket propulsion hardware * Perform test setup, hardware ... Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis * Prior hands-on ...

Tuskegee University

You'll work alongside world-class engineers to push the boundaries of rocket propulsion and space transportation technologies. Essential Job Duties * Design and analyze liquid and solid propulsion ...

Stratolaunch

Deputy Lead Propulsion Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Manage engineering release schedule in conjunction with shop planning * Track vehicle propulsion ... Liquid rocket engine testing experience * Experience with component-level or subsystem level test ...

Stratolaunch

Deputy Lead Propulsion Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Manage engineering release schedule in conjunction with shop planning * Track vehicle propulsion ... Liquid rocket engine testing experience * Experience with component-level or subsystem level test ...

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All JobsLiquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer Jobs

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.

Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Fluids)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description
As a Senior Propulsion Development Engineer (Fluids) at Impulse, you will own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.  Building off our successful Mira spacecraft program, Impulse is developing new propulsion systems for on-orbit applications as well as Lander applications.  Impulse is looking for development engineers who can contribute to these key hardware development projects.

Responsibilities
  •         Own all aspects of a storable, liquid propellant system development
  •         Architect and layout fluids systems on a high delta-V, storable propellant propulsion system
  •         Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
  •         Prepare, plan and execute tests including propellant and pressurization system testing
  •         Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
  •         Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions
  •         Lead technical projects and/or a small team of engineers

Minimum Qualifications
  •         Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
  •         5+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
  •         Prior experience working liquid rocket propulsion systems, including hardware and test experience with flow control systems.
  •         Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
  •         Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection
  •         Hands-on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
  •         Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience
  •         Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable field.
  •         Experience working in fast-paced, startup environment.
  •         Demonstrated technical project leadership over propulsion development programs
  •         Prior experience with propulsion system architecture and layout for low mass fraction vehicle designs
  •         Prior experience with nitrous oxide as a propellant
  •         Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
  •         Cross disciplinary fluid analysis experience (e.g. hand calc, fluid network modeling).
  •         Familiarity with aerospace structural analysis standards pertinent to liquid rocket engine development (e.g. NASA-STD-5012, NASA-STD-5020)
  •         Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Additional Requirements:

  •      Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.