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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Propulsion Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Solid Motors and Propulsion Technologies section is looking for a Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Propulsion Engineering) . In this role, you will ...

Blue Origin

Propulsion Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Propulsion Engineer, you will be a key member of our dynamic team, dedicated to the design, development, and implementation of on-orbit propulsion systems. Your expertise will directly ...

Impulse Space

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II Department: Propulsion Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $110,000 - $160,000 / year Description As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer at ...

DZYNE Technologies

Propulsion Engineer, Electric

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Propulsion Engineer, Electric Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: O n-site Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Electric Propulsion Engineer to support the design, integration, and ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Propulsion Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will lead the propulsion team's development from initial assembly and bring-up to a fully calibrated, instrumented powerplant ready for flight.

Stratolaunch

Propulsion Engineer

Mojave, CA

To achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Propulsion Engineer to help lead the development and integration of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) systems for hypersonic flight applications. This ...

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All JobsPropulsion Engineer JobsPropulsion Engineer Jobs in California

Propulsion Engineer information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$101.5K

$165.3K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in California is $101,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a propulsion engineer?

Propulsion Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that generate thrust for vehicles such as rockets, airplanes, and spacecraft. They work with various types of engines, including jet engines, rocket motors, and other propulsion technologies to ensure efficient and reliable movement. Their responsibilities often include research, analysis, and troubleshooting related to fuel efficiency, performance, and safety. Propulsion Engineers play a critical role in the aerospace and automotive industries, contributing to advancements in transportation and space exploration.

What does a propulsion engineer do?

A propulsion engineer helps build propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles. Their job duties include designing, building, and testing propulsion systems. They may also develop assessment tools to determine if equipment will work in practice. A propulsion engineer often works on a large team along with other aerospace and mechanical engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a propulsion engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with propulsion system design and testing. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication help you excel in cross-functional teams and complex projects. These skills ensure efficient development, testing, and optimization of propulsion systems critical to the performance and safety of aerospace vehicles.

What are some common challenges propulsion engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Propulsion Engineers often collaborate with specialists in aerodynamics, structures, and systems integration, which can lead to challenges in aligning technical priorities, timelines, and communication styles. Balancing the propulsion system requirements with overall vehicle performance and safety standards demands effective teamwork and adaptability. Navigating these interdisciplinary interactions successfully helps ensure that propulsion components are seamlessly integrated and meet project goals.

What is the difference between Propulsion Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; often requires experience in propulsion systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; broader focus on mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development of propulsion systems for aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical components across various industries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space industriesManufacturing, automotive, energy, and many other sectors

While both roles involve mechanical principles, Propulsion Engineers specialize in propulsion systems for aerospace and automotive applications, focusing on propulsion design, testing, and integration. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. The choice depends on your specific interest in propulsion technology versus general mechanical design.

How much do propulsion engineers get paid?

Propulsion engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $80,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in aerospace or rocket propulsion can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.
More about Propulsion Engineer jobs

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For Propulsion Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,479 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer, reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate closely with propulsion and systems design teams to provide manufacturing and assembly input for component hardware such as valves, regulators, tubing, ducting, manifolds, COPVs, fittings, and instrumentation used in propulsion and pressurization systems.
  • Develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes and production equipment for propulsion components, with a focus on repeatability, quality, cost, and flight reliability.
  • Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, travelers, and work instructions to support production of propulsion hardware across development, qualification, and flight builds.
  • Support propulsion systems including propellant feed, pressurization, venting, purge, and safety-critical fluid systems.
  • Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges through hands-on troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Work directly with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality propulsion components, including review and approval of supplier manufacturing processes and documentation.
  • Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of propulsion components and sub-assemblies, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and applicable aerospace standards.
  • Participate in design and manufacturing readiness reviews, providing actionable feedback to improve manufacturability, reliability, and scalability of propulsion hardware.
  • Partner with quality engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process controls for safety-critical fluid components.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve yield, and increase robustness of propulsion manufacturing processes.
  • Stay current with propulsion manufacturing techniques, materials, joining methods, and industry best practices to inform design and production decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, propulsion, or high-reliability fluid systems.
  • Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Siemens NX) and the ability to review designs, generate manufacturing documentation, and design assembly or test tooling.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with propulsion, systems, test, and quality teams
  • High attention to detail and a strong ownership mindset for safety-critical hardware.
  • Strong GD&T knowledge and experience creating and reviewing engineering drawings.
  • Strong understanding of propulsion fluid systems, including tube fabrication, welding/brazing, cleaning, and assembly processes.
  • Experience with manufacturing and assembly of high-pressure or hazardous fluid systems.
  • Proven problem-solving skills with hands-on root cause analysis experience.
  • Hands-on experience testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying propulsion or fluid components is highly desirable.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed to support critical propulsion testing and mission milestones.

Pay Range: 

  • Propulsion Engineer II: $112,340 - $159,468
  • Senior Propulsion Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552

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