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Propulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Busek

Space Propulsion Systems Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Experience with electric or chemical propulsion system design, integration, or testing ... Background in reliability engineering and system safety practices, including FMECA and PFMEA/DFMEA.

Schenck

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hudson, MA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Prepares product or system layout, detailed drawings, schematics and engineering change notices ... Proficiency in CAD software; SolidWorks preferred.

Specter Aerospace

Vehicle Design Engineer II

Peabody, MA · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

In this role, you will contribute to the development of components and systems for hypersonic ... advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop ...

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All JobsPropulsion System Design Engineer JobsPropulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Propulsion System Design Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$53.8K

$128.8K

$188.5K

How much do propulsion system design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion system design engineer in Boston, MA is $128,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,600.00 and $148,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Propulsion System Design Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Propulsion System Design Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with existing subsystems, meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards, and managing weight or space constraints. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including structural, thermal, and controls engineers—is essential to address these issues. Additionally, rapid advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques require engineers to stay updated and adapt designs efficiently, all while maintaining reliability and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Propulsion System Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Propulsion System Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, advanced knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), and industry standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, innovative, and efficient propulsion system designs that meet rigorous technical and regulatory standards.

What does a Propulsion System Design Engineer do?

A Propulsion System Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing propulsion systems used in vehicles such as airplanes, rockets, or spacecraft. These engineers work on components like engines, turbines, and fuel systems to ensure they meet performance, safety, and efficiency standards. Their role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, conducting simulations, and overseeing prototype testing. They play a critical part in advancing technology and meeting regulatory requirements for propulsion systems.

What is the difference between Propulsion System Design Engineer vs Propulsion Test Engineer?

AspectPropulsion System Design EngineerPropulsion Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing propulsion systemsTesting and validating propulsion systems
Skills & CertificationsMechanical/ aerospace engineering, CAD, system modelingTesting procedures, data analysis, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, R&D facilitiesTest facilities, labs, on-site testing environments
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, space industriesUsed in aerospace, space, and research sectors

The Propulsion System Design Engineer focuses on creating and developing propulsion systems, while the Propulsion Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating these systems to ensure performance and safety. Both roles require engineering expertise but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion System Design Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,836 per year, or $61.9 per hour.
Space Propulsion Systems Engineer

Space Propulsion Systems Engineer

Busek Co Inc

Natick, MA • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Busek:
Busek is a world leader in aerospace propulsion, developing advanced in-space electric propulsion systems for some of the most ambitious space missions. We are seeking a Space Propulsion Systems Engineer to manage the system-level engineering of propulsion programs from concept through flight delivery.
As a Space Propulsion Systems Engineer at Busek, you will own the requirements baseline that drives propulsion system design and ensure mission needs are met through structured verification and validation. You will work across mechanical, electrical, thermal, fluidic, software, manufacturing, and test disciplines to integrate solutions that meet customer expectations. You will engage directly with customers, drive technical deliverables to completion, and lead design reviews that define program success. By combining propulsion knowledge with systems engineering rigor, you will help deliver some of the most advanced space propulsion technologies to orbit.
How you will make an impact:
  • Manage propulsion system and subsystem requirements from definition through verification and flight delivery.
  • Develop verification plans and identify artifacts to demonstrate compliance with customer and mission requirements.
  • Perform system-level analyses, including reliability (FMECA), propellant gauging, and mass/power budgeting, to support design and decision-making.
  • Account for cross-disciplinary considerations, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, fluidic, software, manufacturing, and test requirements, during design and integration.
  • Define program scope and contribute to planning and execution of propulsion development efforts.
  • Lead major design reviews, including PDR and CDR, and present technical progress to internal teams and customers.
  • Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, ensuring contractual technical deliverables are met.
  • Collaborate across engineering teams to resolve technical issues and ensure mission success.

Required Experience:
  • Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • Strong foundation in systems engineering principles.
  • Experience managing requirements, verification planning, and system integration activities.
  • Fundamental knowledge of core mechanical, thermal, electrical, fluids, and software principles.
  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary engineering teams and communicate effectively with customers.
  • Strong technical documentation and presentation skills.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and track complex program information.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

Desired Experience:
  • Knowledge of spacecraft mission design.
  • Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and spaceflight qualification practices (NASA, DoD, ESA, ECSS).
  • Experience with electric or chemical propulsion system design, integration, or testing.
  • Background in reliability engineering and system safety practices, including FMECA and PFMEA/DFMEA.
  • Experience contributing to or leading PDR, CDR, or similar technical reviews.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and their interactions (thermal, power, structures, fluids, software).
  • Prior experience supporting or managing complex aerospace or spaceflight programs.
  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystem interfaces (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software).
  • Familiarity with risk identification and mitigation in complex engineering programs.
The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 - $150,000.Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, education, and alignment with organizational needs.
Requirements:
  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance (up to TS/SCI).

Benefits:
  • 401K, performance bonuses, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
U.S. Citizenship Requirement
Due to the nature of work performed under U.S. government contracts and applicable security and contractual requirements, this position is limited to U.S. citizens.

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