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Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90K - $109K/yr

Bachelor'sDegree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineeringfrom an ABET-accredited ... For liquid rocket engines: interpretation of propulsion system flow diagrams, injector design, feed ...

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

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 ...

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Edwards, CA

$103K - $136K/yr

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 ...

$103K - $136K/yr

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 ...

Test Facility Lead Engineer

Edwards, CA

$103K - $136K/yr

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 ...

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer information

See salary details

$41K

$102.8K

$167.5K

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

As of Sep 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.

How much do liquid rocket propulsion engineers make?

Liquid rocket propulsion engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or working in high-cost regions can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $160,000. Certifications in propulsion systems and experience with aerospace tools can also influence compensation.

What do liquid rocket propulsion engineers do?

Liquid rocket propulsion engineers design, develop, and test rocket engines that use liquid propellants. They analyze performance, ensure safety standards, and work with systems such as pumps, valves, and combustion chambers, often using simulation tools and adhering to aerospace industry regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs?

For Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Liquid Rocket Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,825 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

E01-M01 Senior Propulsion Engineer

On-site

EXPANSIA Group
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$90K - $109K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the NOVASTAR program by addressing customer inquiries related to propulsion systems through technical reports.

  • Work independently to perform technical analyses, research, and evaluations of rocket propulsion systems, including liquid and solid rocket motors.

  • Contribute to collaborative technical reporting and provide expertise on propulsion system performance, design, and evaluation.


Job description

Start Date: Immediate

JHNA,CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domainexpertiseacross Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

The combined organizationoperatesas a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

OVERVIEW

Full-time/Permanent Employee
Location: Dayton, OH (Travel: Up to 30% within continental United States)

Our client is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance, navigation, propulsion, control, software, modeling, and simulation of rocket-propelled aerospace vehicles.

The selected candidate willbe responsible foraddressing customer inquiries related to propulsion systems, including liquid rocket engines and solid rocket motors. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to formally respond to these inquiries through technical reports based on professional experience, background research, professional propulsion databases, rudimentary design analyses, and other technical resources.

The candidate must be able to work autonomously with minimal guidance. On occasion, the candidate will also be expected to contribute to collaborative technical reporting for our customers.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: ActiveTS/SCI Clearance
Educationand Years of Experience: Bachelor'sDegree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineeringfrom an ABET-accredited universityand5+ years of demonstrable experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems or fluid mechanical systems.

  • Formal education or training in the following propulsion-related topics:
    • Thermodynamics, with an emphasis on thermal and chemical equilibrium
    • Stoichiometry
    • Quasi-one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) compressible flow
    • Basic rocket nozzle design theory
    • Structural mechanics
    • Classical mechanic
  • Demonstrable proficiency in scientific computing for mechanical or aerospace engineering analyses using one or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, Python, MATLAB).
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master'sdegree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineeringfrom an ABET-accredited university, with an emphasis on chemical rocket propulsion.
  • Recent TS/SCI eligibility.
  • Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in the design, testing, or evaluation of propulsion systems, with an emphasis on liquid rocket engines or solid rocket motors.
  • Professional experienceutilizingpropulsion databasesmaintainedby JANNAF.
  • Proven capability using engineering software to analyze the performance of chemical propellants (e.g., NASA's Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA)).
  • Professional experience applying the following propulsion and fluid mechanics topics:
    • Fluid measurement instrumentation (e.g., pressure transducers, flow meters, thermocouples)
  • Combustion of liquid and solid propellants
  • Performance analysis of chemical propellants
  • For solid rocket motors: igniter design, propellant grain design, and structural analysis of propellant grains and rocket cases
  • For liquid rocket engines: interpretation of propulsion system flow diagrams, injector design, feed systems, coolant systems, and identification and management of pressure losses
  • Professional experience collaborating with other engineers to assess total vehicle performance with respect to each subsystem.

$90,282 - $109,479 a year

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibilityAether Aerospaceallows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our unique mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. Employment benefits include health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave and retirement and savings.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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