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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Propulsion Thermal Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering * 6+ years of thermal analysis of propulsion systems and components Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 Other ...

Propulsion Engineer II- Engine Integration

Seattle, WA · On-site

$99K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in the design, production, manufacturing, and assembly of propulsion ...

Propulsion Thermal Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering * 6+ years of thermal analysis of propulsion systems and components Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 Other ...

Propulsion Engineer II, Thermal Systems

Seattle, WA

$99K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next ... As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will design, analyze, and optimize the next ...

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Showing results 21-40

Propulsion Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$46.7K

$117K

$190.6K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in Seattle, WA is $117,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $134,300.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Propulsion Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Propulsion Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Propulsion Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Propulsion Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,018 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Propulsion Thermal Engineer

Blue Origin, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.
As part of a small team of engineers, you will perform thermal analysis to support the design and development of our thruster systems. This role supports the full development cycle, from early design trades through hot-fire testing and hardware qualification, and gives you direct influence over how thruster hardware is designed and verified. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and numerical analysis and can solve complex engineering problems from initial concept through qualification. You should be comfortable working independently, contributing to design decisions, and communicating results clearly to the rest of the team.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Perform detailed thermal analysis of thrusters and subassemblies, including design trade studies, component sizing, and design verification
    • Develop detailed thermal models using industry-standard tools to predict thruster and subsystem thermal behavior
    • Analyze thermal test data to anchor, validate, and refine thermal models and analyses
    • Support component design from a thermal perspective throughout the development cycle
    • Lead and support thermal design reviews and verification activities throughout the product lifecycle
    • Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, materials, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure designs meet thermal margins and safety requirements
    • Document analysis methods, assumptions, results, and recommendations
    • Contribute to the continuous improvement of thermal analysis processes, tools, and best practices within the team

Minimum Qualifications
  • 4+ years of professional experience related to thermal analysis
  • Strong technical fundamentals in fluids and thermodynamics
  • Experience with Thermal Desktop, SINDA FLUINT, and Ansys
  • Proficiency with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid analysis
  • Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects and work independently
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering
  • 6+ years of thermal analysis of propulsion systems and components

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000