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Propulsion Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Propulsion Design Reliability Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$93K - $124K/yr

As a Propulsion Design Reliability Engineer, you will ensure the propulsion system on Haven-1 is appropriately designed and functions reliably, without failure, over their intended lifespan by ...

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Agile Space Industries

Staff Propulsion Engineer

Durango, CO · On-site

$144K - $200K/yr

... engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding ... At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability ...

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Propulsion Design Engineer information

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$71K

$120.2K

$178.5K

How much do propulsion design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion design engineer in the United States is $120,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Propulsion Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Propulsion Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with propulsion system design principles. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis tools, and propulsion modeling programs, along with relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure innovative, safe, and efficient propulsion solutions that meet rigorous industry standards and project requirements.

How does a Propulsion Design Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during the development process?

Propulsion Design Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing groups. Regular cross-functional meetings and design reviews are common to ensure that propulsion systems are integrated seamlessly with the overall vehicle design. Effective communication is key, as engineers must translate complex technical requirements and address feedback from various stakeholders to meet project goals and timelines.

What does a Propulsion Design Engineer do?

A Propulsion Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems, such as engines or thrusters, used in vehicles like aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, or automobiles. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, creating detailed designs, and ensuring systems meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. They collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate propulsion systems into larger vehicles and may also troubleshoot and improve existing designs. This role requires strong knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mechanical engineering principles.

What is the difference between Propulsion Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentAircraft, spacecraft, or missile propulsion systems developmentVarious industries including automotive, manufacturing, aerospace
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, space agenciesBroad industry use across manufacturing, automotive, energy

Propulsion Design Engineers specialize in designing and developing propulsion systems for aerospace and space applications, focusing on propulsion-specific challenges. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Propulsion Design Engineers focus more on propulsion-specific knowledge and applications.

More about Propulsion Design Engineer jobs
What states have the most Propulsion Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Propulsion Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion Design Engineer jobs are:
Propulsion Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,241 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Entry-Level Propulsion Design Engineer

Astro Mechanica

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies-which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system-with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.
WHO WE ARE:
We're a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We're generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.
WHO YOU ARE:
Astro Mechanica is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who can take full ownership of hardware design from concept to production, and has a deep understanding of their impact on surrounding systems. Technical challenges are resolved from first principles. Your work at Astro Mechanica will have a direct impact on the configuration and performance of the Duality™ engine.
In this role, your mission will be to design, analyze, and validate critical propulsion systems from early prototype through flight qualification, vehicle integration, and aircraft flight. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Ideate on design trade studies while considering system-level impacts
  • Complete detailed design and support with structural, thermal, fluid analyses
  • Present design reviews and solicit feedback from stakeholders
  • Assemble prototypes firsthand, design complementary tooling, establish work instructions
  • Conduct hardware test and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics
  • Diagnose hardware problems efficiently and determine corrective actions

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • Club, project, or intern-level hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, propulsion systems
  • Proficient in solid, surface, and sheet metal CAD modeling (Siemens NX)
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes, precision measurement and GD&T
  • Understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery
  • Exposure to data acquisition, instrumentation, and power electronics
  • Desire for continuous improvement
  • Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment
  • Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS AND BENEFITS:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
  • Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
  • Flexible work environment
  • Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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