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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... propulsion, EW, etc.) * Existing DoD security clearance Who is ARA? Do you want to work for a ... The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$92K - $126K/yr

... propulsion, EW, etc.) * Experience marketing and writing proposals * DoD cybersecurity and cyber ... The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

... propulsion, EW, etc.) * Experience marketing and writing proposals * DoD cybersecurity and cyber ... The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ...

Lecturer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$6.0K - $8.0K/mo

... engineering, MEMS and NEMS, advanced manufacturing, aerodynamics, UAV flight research, materials, renewable energy, combustion, hypersonics, propulsion, space exploration systems, and computational ...

... engineering, MEMS and NEMS, advanced manufacturing, aerodynamics, UAV flight research, materials, renewable energy, combustion, hypersonics, propulsion, space exploration systems, and computational ...

... engineering, MEMS and NEMS, advanced manufacturing, aerodynamics, UAV flight research, materials, renewable energy, combustion, hypersonics, propulsion, space exploration systems, and computational ...

Academic Advisor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

... engineering, MEMS and NEMS, advanced manufacturing, aerodynamics, UAV flight research, materials, renewable energy, combustion, hypersonics, propulsion, space exploration systems, and computational ...

Showing results 21-37

Propulsion Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$39.9K

$99.9K

$162.8K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in Raleigh, NC is $99,949.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $114,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 or specialized propulsion engineers with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace and defense industries.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Propulsion Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Propulsion Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Propulsion Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Propulsion Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,949 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

If you want to accelerate your career growth and apply your expertise to problems of national importance, we have the job for you! You’ll achieve your personal and professional goals in a stable environment that rewards an entrepreneurial spirit. You’ll solve challenging problems and grow your career in an exciting setting that promotes teamwork and crosstraining across related disciplines. We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to join our Digital Engineering team designing and analyzing new warfighter capabilities. The ideal candidate is a generalist who enjoys analyzing warfighter needs, modeling architectures in MBSE tools, and has a desire to be handson in building software tools that solve realworld problems.

The successful candidate for this position will have a strong passion for Mission Engineering and the national security domain, strong systems modeling skills, an interest in software engineering, and the ability to conceptualize and deliver solutions to customer problems. Ideal candidates understand the benefits of a Digital Thread, are conversant on the strengths and weaknesses of existing MBSE tools, and are passionate about improving systems engineering process to solve real warfighter problems. You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense.

Systems Engineer Position Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
  • BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
  • 5+ years relevant work experience with BS
  • 3+ years relevant work experience with MS
  • Familiarity with Systems Modeling Language (SysML) version 2 and Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
  • Experience with commercial MBSE software, especially developing plugins to extend functionality 
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Systems Engineer Preferences:

Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

  • Demonstrated experience with at least one modern software development ecosystem (e.g., Python, C++, or Java), and comfortable implementing quick-turnaround, proof of concept solutions in that ecosystem
  • Familiarity with DoD mission analysis or campaign analysis software or specific domain expertise (e.g., lethality, guidance, propulsion, EW, etc.)
  • Existing DoD security clearance

Who is ARA?  

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.  

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.  

To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/