1

Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

$98K - $147K/yr

Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company standards and customer requirements to develop propulsion systems (electric, solid/liquid fuel rocket, air-breathing, thrusters) for ...

$98K - $147K/yr

Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company standards and customer requirements to develop propulsion systems (electric, solid/liquid fuel rocket, air-breathing, thrusters) for ...

Nuclear Engineer

Kenyon, MN

$92K - $110K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Keewatin, MN

$97K - $116K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

$87K - $105K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Austin, MN

$95K - $114K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Owatonna, MN

$99K - $119K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Elgin, MN

$96K - $115K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Hinckley, MN

$95K - $113K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Isle, MN

$97K - $116K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Litchfield, MN

$95K - $114K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Hampton, MN

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lauderdale, MN

$101K - $121K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Ottertail, MN

$98K - $117K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Medford, MN

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Spring Valley, MN

$98K - $117K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Houston, MN

$91K - $110K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Dayton, MN

$103K - $124K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lakeland, MN

$101K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lanesboro, MN

$96K - $115K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Propulsion Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$40.2K

$100.7K

$164.1K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in Minnesota is $100,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $115,600.00 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,708 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Perform analysis, design, or test of one or more moderately complex materials (including energetics), structural components, and control systems for propulsion systems.

Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company standards and customer requirements to develop propulsion systems (electric, solid/liquid fuel rocket, air-breathing, thrusters) for application in launch vehicles, missile systems, and space mission systems. Coordinate strategy for developing and leveraging multi-disciplinary design, optimization, and analysis processes to support mission requirements. Define and coordinate the conduct of testing required to evaluate design work.

This position will require on-site work at our Rocket Center, WV Location. No remote opportunities are available. Specific role responsibilities will included, but are not limited to: Maintain approved Technical Data Package (TDP) Provide Material Review Board (MRB) support for all product and material issues Establish/Maintain Engineering Bill of Materials (BOM) Establish product Key Characteristics, and or monitor Review/approve product manufacturing work instructions and ensure compliance with TDP requirements Support technical interchanges between customers and vendors Technical member of Integrated Product Team (IPT) Establish requirements for material obsolescence replacement/qualification/test/implementation Provide technical support to sub-contractors (may require travel to monitor processes and participate in audits) Conduct Failure Analysis Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action activities Review product acceptance test data and analyze for trends Conduct Product/Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Transition of product from development phase to production phase Basic Qualifications: Level 2: BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with 2 years of related work experience or a MS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering Level 3: BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with 5 years of related work experience or a MS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with 3 years of related work experience Must be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret clearance.

U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite. Preferred Qualifications: Skills related to statics, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, rocket propulsion, computer skills/programming (MATLAB, FORTRAN, Solid Modeling, Excel) are all desirable

Leadership & teamwork capabilities Excellent interpersonal communication skills Self-motivated, willing to learn, and interested in working in a team environment Experience developing and delivering presentations and leading small groups Able to work in an autonomous work environment on complex projects Experience working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939