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Propulsion Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Partner with quality engineering to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and process ... Stay current with propulsion manufacturing techniques, materials, joining methods, and industry ...

Tuskegee University

Ensure compliance with NASA engineering standards, safety protocols, and quality assurance ... Familiarity with NASA propulsion test facilities and protocols * Knowledge of system integration ...

Astranis

Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Propulsion Engineer As a Propulsion Engineer at Astranis, you will design, evaluate, and test in ... Use strong physics and engineering fundamentals to inform high-level system analysis and understand ...

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$41K

$102.8K

$167.5K

How much do propulsion engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineering in the United States is $102,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Propulsion Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPropulsion EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering; certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) are commonBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; PE certification is also common
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, or missilesDesign, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space industriesBroad industry use including automotive, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace

Propulsion Engineering focuses specifically on propulsion systems for aerospace and defense applications, requiring specialized knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Mechanical Engineering offers a broader scope, covering various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles share foundational engineering principles and certifications, Propulsion Engineers specialize in propulsion technologies, making their work more niche within the engineering field.

Is propulsion engineer a good career?

Propulsion engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and developing propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles. It typically requires strong skills in physics, thermodynamics, and materials science, with opportunities in aerospace, defense, and space industries. The career offers high technical demand and potential for advancement, often involving collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

What is propulsion engineering?

Propulsion engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, development, testing, and maintenance of systems that move vehicles or objects by generating thrust. This can include propulsion systems for aircraft, rockets, spacecraft, ships, and even some land vehicles. Propulsion engineers work with various technologies such as jet engines, rocket motors, and other power plants, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely. The discipline combines principles from mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering to create reliable propulsion solutions.

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, a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with thermodynamics and fluid mechanics are essential, often requiring at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Hands-on experience with CAD software, propulsion simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (e.g., ASME) are typically needed. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help propulsion engineers collaborate on complex projects and communicate technical ideas clearly. These skills are vital for designing reliable and efficient propulsion systems that meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges propulsion engineers face when working on new engine designs?

Propulsion engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance requirements with strict safety and environmental regulations, integrating new materials or technologies, and optimizing efficiency while minimizing costs. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, materials science, and control systems, is essential to address these complexities. Additionally, propulsion engineers must stay adaptable to fast-paced project timelines and frequent design iterations, making effective communication and problem-solving skills crucial.
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Propulsion Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,825 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Principal Engineer - Propulsion & Fuel Subsystems Design and Integration

Principal Engineer - Propulsion & Fuel Subsystems Design and Integration

SyberJet Aircraft

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

SyberJet is an up-and-coming aircraft manufacturer dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and precision in the design and manufacturing of advanced aerospace systems and aircraft. Our team is committed to excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our work.
Job Description:
SyberJet Aircraft is seeking a Senior Propulsion & Fuel Systems Engineer with strong FAA certification and systems safety experience to lead and coordinate the integration of advanced propulsion and fuel systems on our aircraft programs. This role blends technical engineering leadership, project oversight, and regulatory compliance responsibilities, and is ideally suited for a propulsion engineer who has contributed directly to FAA Part 23 or Part 25 programs and understands the full life cycle of propulsion system development, integration, and certification.
You will act as the project engineer for powerplant and fuel systems development - interfacing with vendors and guiding independent electrical and mechanical design teams to ensure the final design is safe, certifiable, and optimized for performance and manufacturability.
Key Responsibilities:
Propulsion & Fuel System Integration:
  • Lead the integration of new turbofan engines and associated fuel systems into the aircraft design.
  • Define and manage system-level requirements, interfaces, and design constraints for propulsion, fuel systems, and bleed air.
  • Guide supplier selection and coordination, ensuring design alignment and certification readiness.
  • Ensure mechanical and electrical subsystems are harmonized with engine and fuel system integration needs.
  • Coordinate the integration and application of engine bleed air for aircraft anti-ice and pneumatic systems, ensuring safe and effective performance.

FAA Certification & Safety:
  • Serve as the technical lead for propulsion and fuel systems certification efforts.
  • Coordinate with FAA ACOs and DERs (Designated Engineering Representatives) on compliance planning and issue resolution.
  • Develop and contribute to compliance documentation, including means of compliance matrices, certification plans, compliance checklists, and engineering reports.
  • Author, support, and review System Safety Assessments (SSAs), including FHA, FTA, and SSA documents per ARP4761 guidance.
  • Drive validation of certification artifacts against FAA Part 23 requirements.

Testing & Evaluation:
  • Support propulsion and fuel system ground and flight test programs.
  • Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for any propulsion-related anomalies or discrepancies during testing.
  • Evaluate performance data and verify compliance with safety and performance objectives.

CAD Modeling:
  • Use Siemens NX for 3D Modeling, assembly design, and drafting. Produce detailed engineering drawings and specifications.

Product Lifecycle Management:
  • Manage product data, track design changes, and ensure documentation is current and accessible using Teamcenter, Jira, and Confluence.

Problem Solving:
  • Analyze and resolve design issues, offering innovative solutions to engineering challenges.

Continuous Improvement:
  • Contribute to process improvements and best practices within the design and development team.

Qualifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in aircraft turbofan propulsion system design and integration, with at least 5 years supporting FAA certification (Part 23 or Part 25).
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or leading System Safety Assessments.
  • Solid understanding of FAA certification processes, including working with FAA DERs or as an ODA member.
  • Working knowledge of aircraft fuel system design, propulsion system controls, and engine bleed air systems (particularly for anti-icing and pneumatic integration).

Software Skills:
  • Experience with Simulink, MATLAB, or engine performance simulation tools is desired.
  • Proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter is preferred.

Preferred Experience:
  • Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
  • Agile Development using Jira Sprint Methodology.
  • Working knowledge of engine control integration, FADEC's, electrical loads, and engine nacelle design.
  • Project Management

Technical Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of industry standards, aerospace design processes, certification methods, and the operational characteristics of aircraft turbo fan engines.

Analytical Skills:
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex technical data and provide effective solutions.

Communication:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and document technical information to various stakeholders.

Team Player:
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • A collaborative, engineering-driven, innovative work environment.
  • The chance to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects with a talented team of professionals.

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