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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Advanced Structures Engineer

Warren, MI · Hybrid

$94K - $128K/yr

Advanced Propulsion Engineering at General Motors is a rapidly developing area of automotive technology. We're creating cutting edge propulsion systems that provide industry leading energy, power ...

Senior Advanced Structures Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

Advanced Propulsion Engineering at General Motors is a rapidly developing area of automotive technology. We're creating cutting edge propulsion systems that provide industry leading energy, power ...

Working closely with Propulsion Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, enterprise architecture, platform engineering, and Agile delivery teams, you will ensure the 3DEXPERIENCE ...

Showing results 41-60

Propulsion Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$35.7K

$89.6K

$146K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in Michigan is $89,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $102,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion Engineer jobs in Michigan?

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Propulsion Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Propulsion Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,622 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

2027 Summer Intern - Manufacturing Engineering- Global Propulsion Systems

Warren, MI

General Motors
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 311 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

The Role:

As a GPS ME Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside world-class engineers to help shape how General Motors builds the propulsion systems that define the future of mobility, from high-voltage electric motors and battery systems to precision-machined transmissions and drive units. This is not a passive internship: you'll be embedded in real project teams, contributing to active programs with genuine deadlines and tangible impact. Depending on your assignment, you may find yourself on a plant floor qualifying new equipment, in a process development lab optimizing a manufacturing technique, or at a virtual engineering workstation designing the factory of tomorrow. You'll collaborate across engineering disciplines, interact with product teams, and experience how large-scale manufacturing decisions get made at one of the world's leading automakers. This role offers a GPS-wide experience, giving you exposure to multiple propulsion technology areas across the summer.

The Team:

General Motors' Global Propulsion Systems Manufacturing Engineering (GPS ME) organization is at the heart of how GM brings its most critical technologies to life on the factory floor. Our team designs, develops, procures, and implements the manufacturing systems that power GM vehicles worldwide, spanning Transmissions, Drive Units, Electric Motors, Engines, Castings, Battery and Energy Storage Systems, and Fuel Cells. With sub-organizations dedicated to Drive Units, Transmissions & eMotors, Engines & Castings, Cells & Battery Systems, Standards & Launch Excellence, and Business Process & Continuous Improvement, GPS ME touches every corner of GM's propulsion portfolio.

What You'll Do:

  • Support manufacturing process development by researching, testing, and optimizing assembly or fabrication processes for propulsion components such as electric motors, drive units, transmissions, or battery systems in a lab or plant environment.

  • Contribute to equipment launch activities by assisting with installation, debugging, and qualification of manufacturing equipment, and helping document results to meet program launch metrics.

  • Apply lean manufacturing principles by analyzing production line throughput, identifying waste, and supporting the development or improvement of standardized work documentation.

  • Use virtual engineering tools to create or refine 3D process layouts, simulation models, or CAD/CAM work instructions that support manufacturing planning and equipment design.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Engineering, Quality, and Plant Operations, to solve active manufacturing quality or scrap issues tied to process or design root causes.

  • Participate in structured problem-solving activities at manufacturing sites, applying engineering methodologies to identify defect root causes and recommend corrective actions.

  • Develop and present engineering deliverables, including technical reports, process documentation, or project updates, to engineering leads and program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical field.

  • Must be graduating between December 2027 and June 2029

  • Strong foundational knowledge of engineering principles, including mechanics, materials, or manufacturing processes, gained through coursework or project experience.

  • Demonstrated ability to analyze data and solve problems systematically; comfortable drawing conclusions from test results, data sets, or observations.

  • Effective communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to a diverse audience.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also managing individual tasks and deliverables independently.

  • Willingness and ability to travel to and work at GM manufacturing plants or technical labs as required by the internship assignment (travel is assignment-dependent; not all roles require travel).

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

  • Hands-on experience with CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or manufacturing simulation and digital tools.

  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts, such as value stream mapping, standardized work, or Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), through coursework, club involvement, or prior work experience.

  • Prior internship, co-op, or research experience in a manufacturing, automotive, or industrial engineering environment.

  • Exposure to electric vehicle or propulsion technologies, including electric motors, power electronics, battery systems, or drivetrain components, through coursework or personal projects.

  • Experience with data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel (advanced), Python, MATLAB, or Minitab for engineering or process analysis.

  • Participation in engineering competitions or student organizations (e.g., SAE, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics teams) that demonstrate applied engineering problem-solving.

  • Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and manufacturing tolerance principles.

  • Familiarity with quality tools such as 8D problem solving, cause-and-effect analysis, or statistical process control.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

Work Arrangement

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI (or assigned location) on a full-time basis.May also have opportunities to work at GM manufacturing sites and technical labs.

GMwill provide aone-time lumpsum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the2026Student Program.

To help facilitate administration of relocation benefits if you are selected, please apply using the permanent address you would move from.

Start dates for this internship role are May & June of 2027.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908