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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES) The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for owning the development, production, and operation of engine combustor hardware from concept through to ...

CesiumAstro

Propulsion Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$118K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer to lead the design, development, analysis, and testing of critical liquid rocket engine hardware and propulsion subsystems. This role offers the opportunity to ...

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Combustion Devices)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES) The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for owning the development, production, and operation of engine combustor hardware from concept through to ...

Next Matter

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Senior Propulsion Engineer The Senior Propulsion Engineer's primary responsibility is the design of solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures, along with propulsion components, with an ...

Astranis

Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, you will oversee the production of the propulsion subsystem for high-orbit satellites. You will be responsible for the ...

Mach Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of our propulsion systems, helping to maintain the United States' strategic ...

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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:

What job categories do people searching Propulsion Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Propulsion Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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 (Raptor Combustion Devices)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)
The Propulsion Engineer role is responsible for owning the development, production, and operation of engine combustor hardware from concept through to successful flight operations. You will drive all necessary work to effectively and safely develop and fly your hardware on the most advanced full flow staged combustion engine on the largest launch vehicle in history.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible engineer for engine combustor hardware, owning the success of design and requirements, delivery of production hardware at target throughput rates, and reliable operating performance at the integrated engine and vehicle level.
  • Identify, organize, and drive design changes related to department priorities such as reliability, simplification, and performance.
  • Own the development of combustor design and hardware from concept through testing and production while actively managing the existing fleet of hardware in operation.
  • Coordinate a team of peers through informal leadership and self-directed program organization to achieve goals. Assign clear responsibilities and hold teammates accountable for execution. Collaborate with engineers from other teams to design and develop hardware that meets system and high-level engine requirements.
  • Develop test requirements and participate in test operations early in the part life cycle to develop hardware and processes to accept engines for flight. Own anomaly reviews for defective hardware from comprehensive data review to complete hardware teardown.
  • Perform analysis on data from test and flight operations of the hardware. Iterate the results from data into improved designs, as well as make critical go/no-go calls on hardware performance in operation.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or astronautical engineering
  • 1+ years of experience working with rocket or jet engine hardware or high-pressure fluid systems in a design, analysis, or experimental capacity

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or aeronautical/astronautical engineering.
  • 3+ years of professional or intense academic experience working with jet or rocket engines or other high-pressure fluid systems with tight timelines and high consequences of failure.
  • Demonstrable proficiency in the basic principles of compressible and incompressible flow, combustion processes, combustion instability, acoustics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, mechanics, and materials. Ability to apply first principles approach to quick models and estimates.
  • Experience designing and testing combustor injector elements and associated fluid manifolds.
  • Experience owning test campaigns, analyzing data and hardware to make technical decisions based on findings.
  • Experience with engine system operation including startup/shutdown transients and mainstage trim.
  • Experience designing parts and assemblies in professional CAD packages such as Siemens NX or Solidworks.
  • Experience designing for manufacturing and implementing designs into manufacturing process, including iterating designs based on downstream feedback
  • Experience with manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment such as machining, additive manufacturing, welding, forming, tube bending, structural assembly, etc.
  • Experience owning cradle to grave projects from design conception into manufacturing and testing.
  • Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
  • Experience generating, reading, and interpreting GD&T drawings.
  • Professional experience completing thermal, fluid, or structural analysis (e.g. ANSYS, Fluent, Star-CCM+).
  • Self-motivated to solve complex problems with demonstrated ability to organize and motivate a team of peers to achieve common goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to act with good engineering judgment and execute high quality work in a technical environment on tight timelines
  • Experience working in project teams in a professional role, or in student teams such as Rocket/Propulsion Teams, Formula/Baja SAE, or Hyperloop.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • 10% travel in support of hardware testing and launch operations
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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