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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Propulsion Engineer information

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$43.1K

$108.1K

$176.1K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in Colorado is $108,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $124,100.00 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.
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Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,122 per year, or $52 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Design (Combustion Devices)

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the full lifecycle of combustion device development, including design, analysis, and optimization of components such as combustion chambers, injectors, and flow systems.

  • Develop and validate regenerative cooling designs for thrust chambers, supporting thermal and structural analysis to ensure reliability.

  • Use combustion analysis tools to predict performance, guide design decisions, and design acoustic cavities to address combustion stability.

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
As a Senior Combustion Devices Design Engineer at True Anomaly, you will own the full lifecycle of combustion device development - from architecture trades through flight delivery. You will serve as the team's subject matter expert on injectors, regeneratively cooled thrust chambers, acoustic stability, and high-temperature materials, bringing hands-on mastery of design tools and modern manufacturing methods including additive manufacturing. This is your opportunity to design and develop the next generation of in-space propulsion systems and directly shape the future of on-orbit capabilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead combustion device design: Own the design, analysis, and optimization of combustion chambers, injectors, regen cooling circuits, nozzles, and flow systems for advanced satellite and space vehicle thrusters - from concept through flight qualification.
  • Apply regenerative cooling expertise: Develop and validate regenerative cooling designs for thrust chambers, supporting and/or performing thermal and structural analysis to ensure margin and reliability across the full operating envelope.
  • Drive combustion performance and stability: Use CEA and other combustion analysis tools to predict performance and guide design decisions. Apply knowledge of combustion instability mechanisms to design and validate acoustic cavities and other passive suppression features.
  • Leverage additive manufacturing: Champion the use of AM processes - including designs in Inconel and other high-temperature superalloys - to accelerate development cycles, reduce part count, and enable geometries not achievable through conventional manufacturing.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and partners: Work closely with engine and thruster suppliers to interpret hot-fire and cold-flow test data and translate findings into future design improvements.
  • Lead robust trade studies: Define thruster and engine architecture, select components, and support build campaigns from initial design through integration and test.
  • Build team capability: Mentor junior engineers, develop best practices, analysis tools, checklists, and design release templates that scale with the team.
  • Review and release hardware: Review CAD models and engineering drawings to GD&T standards, providing direct technical feedback and design guidance.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement: Drive initiatives that enhance design efficiency, manufacturability, and system-level performance.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • 8+ years of professional experience in liquid rocket engine or thruster development.
  • Hands-on combustion device design: Demonstrated experience designing injectors, combustion chambers, regen nozzles, valves, and nozzle extensions.
  • Regenerative cooling design: Practical experience sizing and validating regen cooling circuits for thrust chambers, including thermal margin and pressure drop analysis.
  • CEA proficiency: Demonstrated experience running NASA CEA (or equivalent) to predict propellant performance, O/F sensitivity, and nozzle expansion trade studies.
  • Combustion instability expertise: Familiarity with acoustic combustion instability modes and experience designing acoustic cavities or other suppression features.
  • High-temperature alloys: Experience designing and specifying hardware in Inconel, Haynes, or other high-temperature superalloys for propulsion applications.
  • Additive manufacturing: Experience leveraging AM (SLM, DMLS, or equivalent) in the design and development of propulsion hardware.
  • CAD proficiency with engineering drawing generation to GD&T standards.
  • Operational experience in aerospace build, integration, and test environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizen, eligible for DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (advanced degrees count toward years of experience).
  • Experience designing, building, testing, and qualifying thruster or engine components through hot-fire, cold-flow, and leak/checkout campaigns.
  • Direct team leadership and mentorship of junior propulsion engineers.
  • Familiarity with the full vehicle lifecycle from concept through production.
  • Track record of innovative problem-solving in complex mechanical and thermodynamic design challenges.
  • Experience in a startup or similarly resource-constrained, high-tempo environment.

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $130,000 to $200,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

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, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work Location-Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.
#LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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