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Propulsion Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PDS Tech Commercial

Mechanical Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Power the Future of Transportation as a Propulsion Mechanical Electrical Engineer! Location: Erie, PA 16531 | Onsite Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | 40 Hours/Week Pay Rate: Up to $90/hour ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Working closely with propulsion, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, test, and flight operations ... Execute engineering tasks across design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification ...

Vast

Propulsion Structures Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$186K - $265K/yr

Serve as responsible engineer for propulsion mechanical hardware: tubing assemblies, brackets, mounts, and propulsion-owned secondary structure. * Act as the primary interface between the Propulsion ...

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Propulsion Mechanical Engineer information

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$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do propulsion mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a propulsion mechanical engineer do?

A Propulsion Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the mechanical components of propulsion systems, such as engines, thrusters, and related hardware used in aircraft, spacecraft, or other vehicles. They analyze system requirements, create detailed models and drawings, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the propulsion system performs efficiently and reliably. Their work is critical to ensuring vehicles achieve the necessary thrust and performance while meeting safety and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a propulsion mechanical engineer?

To thrive as a Propulsion Mechanical Engineer, you need a robust understanding of mechanical engineering principles, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS, and experience with propulsion system testing are commonly required, and certifications such as EIT or PE can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel when collaborating on complex engineering projects. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of propulsion systems.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion mechanical engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

Propulsion Mechanical Engineers often collaborate with electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams to develop complex propulsion systems. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may have different priorities and technical languages. Balancing performance goals with manufacturability and cost constraints can also be demanding. Successful Propulsion Mechanical Engineers proactively seek feedback, clarify requirements, and adapt designs to align with the broader project's objectives.

What states have the most Propulsion Mechanical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Propulsion Mechanical Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion Mechanical Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Propulsion Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Integration Engineer

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Approach Venture LLC
See more jobs at Approach Venture LLCexternal

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Senior Propulsion Integration Engineer - Own propulsion architecture across next-generation unmanned aircraft
Fort Worth, Texas | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a growing aerospace and defense company developing fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems for government and commercial applications. The team is building aircraft designed around rapid deployment, scalable production, and reliable performance in demanding operating environments. As the Lead Propulsion Integration Engineer, you will own propulsion architecture, selection, and integration across multiple aircraft platforms. The role spans piston, electric, and turbine propulsion systems and carries responsibility from early trade studies and system design through ground testing, flight test, production, and field deployment. You will serve as a senior technical authority for propulsion-related decisions while working closely with aerodynamics, structures, avionics, systems, manufacturing, and flight test teams.
About Us
We are a growing aerospace and defense company developing and manufacturing advanced unmanned aircraft systems. The engineering organization works across the full aircraft lifecycle, from early design and prototype development through flight testing and production. The company is focused on building practical, producible aircraft platforms that can transition quickly from development into operational use.
Job Duties
  • Own propulsion architecture and configuration decisions across fixed-wing UAS platforms
  • Evaluate piston, electric, hybrid, and turbine propulsion options based on aircraft performance, range, endurance, reliability, thermal constraints, acoustic signature, cost, and manufacturability
  • Lead integration of engines and electric motors with propellers, mounts, cooling systems, exhaust systems, electrical generation, batteries, and supporting hardware
  • Own integration of small turbine and jet propulsion systems, including inlet and exhaust configuration, fuel systems, thermal protection, structural interfaces, and thrust alignment
  • Define propulsion design margins, system requirements, and integration standards across aircraft programs
  • Work closely with structures and airframe teams to manage propulsion loads, vibration, thermal environments, and packaging constraints
  • Develop propulsion ground and flight test plans covering thrust, endurance, thermal performance, vibration, reliability, and failure modes
  • Support flight test campaigns and lead technical investigations related to propulsion anomalies or performance issues
  • Use test results to drive design changes, configuration maturity, and reliability improvements
  • Transition propulsion systems from prototype configurations into low-rate and scaled production
  • Ensure propulsion installations are manufacturable, maintainable, documented, and suitable for operational deployment
  • Partner with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams on supplier qualification, production readiness, and rate scaling
  • Provide technical direction and mentorship to propulsion, mechanical, and integration engineers
  • Lead propulsion discussions during design reviews, failure investigations, supplier engagements, and customer technical reviews
  • Travel to test sites, production facilities, supplier locations, and customer locations as required

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of propulsion engineering experience
  • Direct experience developing or integrating propulsion systems for unmanned aircraft
  • Hands-on experience with fixed-wing aircraft propulsion integration
  • Experience taking propulsion systems through development, ground testing, flight testing, and production
  • Strong understanding of propulsion performance, thermal management, vibration, structural interfaces, and aircraft integration
  • Experience working across multidisciplinary aircraft engineering teams
  • Ability to independently lead major propulsion architecture and integration decisions
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • Ability to travel approximately 15%

Preferred Experience
  • Experience integrating multiple propulsion architectures, including piston engines, electric motors, and small turbine or jet systems
  • Experience with propeller selection and integration
  • Knowledge of aircraft fuel system architecture and integration
  • Experience with FADEC-controlled propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with battery management systems and high-voltage electric propulsion
  • Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion architectures
  • Understanding of aircraft airworthiness requirements and certification considerations
  • Experience conducting reliability analysis or propulsion failure investigations
  • Experience supporting operational aircraft or field sustainment
  • Background working in rapid aircraft development and flight test environments
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline

Why Join Us
  • Own propulsion architecture across multiple unmanned aircraft platforms
  • Work across the complete development lifecycle from initial system trades through flight and production
  • Influence major aircraft-level technical decisions in a high-ownership engineering environment
  • Help transition new aircraft systems from prototype hardware into scalable manufacturing and operational deployment
  • Work directly with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, test, and program teams
  • 401(k) with company matching
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off

Compensation Details
$150,000 - $190,000
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