1

Propulsion Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER, WARREN, MI RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for a candidate to provide Controls ... You will be working on-site 5 days per week, developing Global Propulsion Systems (GPS) automation ...

Controls Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER, WARREN, MI RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for a candidate to provide Controls ... You will be working on-site 5 days per week, developing Global Propulsion Systems (GPS) automation ...

Controls Engineer

Warren, MI

$78K - $101K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER, WARREN, MI RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for a candidate to provide Controls ... You will be working on-site 5 days per week, developing Global Propulsion Systems (GPS) automation ...

Controls Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The Role We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to support the development and testing ... Interface with propulsion engineers to implement control logic, safety limits, and operating ...

Controls Engineer

Houma, LA

$79K - $103K/yr

Perform basic trouble shooting on the marine propulsion equipment listed in the objectives. Making ... While performing the duties of this job, the Controls Engineer is regularly required to use hands ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Propulsion Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$55K

$96.6K

$131K

How much do propulsion controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion controls engineer in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is propulsion engineer a good career?

A propulsion controls engineer designs and maintains systems that manage vehicle propulsion, often requiring knowledge of control systems, electronics, and aerospace principles. The role offers opportunities in aerospace, defense, and space industries, with a focus on innovation and technical skills. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in engineering and technology development.

How much does a propulsion engineer make in the US?

Propulsion controls engineers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or working in aerospace or defense industries can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Propulsion Controls Engineers in advanced aerospace, defense, or automotive industries can reach annual salaries of $300,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in control systems, and relevant certifications. High-level engineers working on complex projects or in leadership roles may also achieve this compensation level.

What is the difference between Propulsion Controls Engineer vs Powertrain Controls Engineer?

AspectPropulsion Controls EngineerPowertrain Controls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering; experience with control systemsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; experience with control systems
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or electric vehicle industries; R&D and testing labsAutomotive and hybrid vehicle industries; vehicle testing and development
Industry UsageDesigning propulsion system controls for electric and hybrid vehicles or aircraftDeveloping control systems for vehicle powertrains, including engines and transmissions

Propulsion Controls Engineers focus on designing and testing control systems for propulsion units in electric or hybrid vehicles and aircraft, while Powertrain Controls Engineers specialize in control systems for vehicle engines and transmissions. Both roles require similar technical skills and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas within vehicle systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior propulsion controls engineers in aerospace, defense, or automotive industries can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in control systems and software, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly at large corporations or in specialized fields.
More about Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Specialist, Project Engineer (Propulsion Controls, Electronics and Software)

Specialist, Project Engineer (Propulsion Controls, Electronics and Software)

L3Harris Technologies

Canoga Park, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist Project Engineer, Propulsion Controls Electronics & Software

Job Code: 38795

Job Location: Canoga Park, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

We are seeking a Level 3 Project Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of electronics and software development efforts for propulsion controls systems in the defense and aerospace industry. This role is responsible for coordinating cross-functional engineering teams developing mission-critical control solutions for propulsion applications, including embedded electronics, control software, system integration, and verification activities. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation, disciplined program execution skills, and experience working in highly regulated, safety-critical environments.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead electronics and software development projects for propulsion control systems from concept through integration, verification, qualification, and production support.

  • Coordinate cross-functional teams including electrical, software, systems, mechanical, test, quality, manufacturing, and program management.

  • Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, technical milestones, risk registers, and action item tracking for propulsion controls programs.

  • Manage day-to-day execution of hardware and software development activities to ensure technical, cost, schedule, and quality objectives are met.

  • Support requirements decomposition, interface definition, design reviews, and verification planning for propulsion control electronics and embedded software.

  • Drive issue resolution across design, integration, and test activities, including root cause and corrective action coordination.

  • Monitor project risks and opportunities, identify recovery plans when needed, and communicate status clearly to leadership and customers.

  • Ensure compliance with internal engineering processes, customer requirements, contractual obligations, and applicable aerospace and defense standards.

  • Facilitate technical reviews, customer meetings, milestone presentations, and decision-making forums.

  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and project contributors within assigned scope.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, avionics, embedded systems, controls, or propulsion-related programs.

  • 5+ year of experience leading or coordinating engineering development projects involving electronics, embedded software, or integrated control systems.

  • 5+ years of experience with product development lifecycle activities, including requirements, design, integration, verification, validation, and configuration management.

  • 5+ years of experience with propulsion control systems, embedded controllers, sensor/actuator interfaces, or engine control electronics/software.

  • 5+ years of experience with managing schedules, technical risks, dependencies, and cross-functional communication in a structured engineering environment.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of technical and program status to internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with engine control systems, thrust vector control, electro-mechanical actuation, ignition control, sensors or other propulsion-related subsystems.

  • Experience working in a safety-critical development environment with standards such as DO-178, DO-254, MIL-STD, or equivalent aerospace/defense frameworks.

  • Familiarity with requirements and project tools such as DOORS, Jira, Microsoft Project, Earned Value concepts, or similar systems.

  • Background in embedded software development, control electronics, hardware/software integration, or system test.

  • Master's degree in engineering or technical discipline.

Key Traits for Success

  • Strong technical judgment with the ability to bridge engineering detail and program execution.

  • Organized, proactive leader who can keep complex development efforts aligned and moving forward.

  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-accountability, mission-critical defense aerospace environments.

  • Collaborative mindset with a focus on disciplined execution, clear communication, and reliable delivery.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, is $92,500 - $171,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time