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Propulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Busek Co Inc

Research Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

Job Title: Research Engineer Job Summary: Busek is seeking a talented and motivated Research ... Hands-on experience with electric propulsion (EP) systems preferred. * Knowledge of thruster design ...

Busek

Research Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

Job Title: Research Engineer Job Summary: Busek is seeking a talented and motivated Research ... Hands-on experience with electric propulsion (EP) systems preferred. * Knowledge of thruster design ...

Ashby

Design Engineer - Americas

Boston, MA · Remote

$126K - $250K/yr

You only want to work on design systems. While improving our design system is one of many ... Design Engineers set the bar for visual design in our app and continually improve it, pushing its ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Design Engineer

Westford, MA · Hybrid

Drive the micro-architecture definition, feasibility studies and documentation of CPU sub-systems ... design. * Support hardware engineering activities including chip floor plan, power/clock ...

Reframe Systems

Senior Design Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

ABOUT US Reframe Systems is a Physical AI and robotics company on a mission to make high ... Our cross-disciplinary team brings together architecture, robotics, design engineering, software ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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?

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 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,836 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Computational Design Engineer Co-Op Spring 2027

Specter Aerospace

Peabody, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Role Summary: 

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Computational Design Engineer Co-Op (4-6+ month cycle) to support the design and analysis of high-speed airbreathing testbed vehicles. A successful candidate for this position will be driven and passionate about computational design. 



About Specter Aerospace: 

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. Specter is headquartered just north of Boston in Peabody, MA where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.  

Specter offers a wide diversity of tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all while providing co-ops with the same resources and project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists to complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company. 



Role Responsibilities 

  • Work in a fast-paced environment making reusable computational geometry models to take hypersonic vehicles from requirements to design 
  • Support design and analysis tool development to aid in the succesful development of high-speed systems 
  • Collaborate with mechanical, design, aerodynamics, propulsion, and software engineers to define I/O and create parametric geometry models that connect to analysis tools 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Math, Computer Science, Physics, or other related discipline 
  • Prior experience using any computational design software (Rhino/Grasshopper, nTop, PicoGK, NX Implicit Modeling, Altair Implicit Modeling etc.) 
  • Familiary with implicit modeling concepts (signed distance functions, level sets, Boolean operations, inversions, differential geometry) 
  • Previous CAD/design experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization 
  • Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments 
  • Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work 
  • Strong communication skills to clarify scope and requirements when working with other engineers. 
  • Familiarity with mechanical engineering and physics principles (statics, materials, thermo/fluids, etc…) 
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required) 
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check 



Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Previous professional or student team leadership experience relevant to the requirements for this position 
  • Experience with at least one programming language 
  • Prior experience with additive manufacturing 
  • Amateur rocketry or model aircraft experience 
  • Prior FEA/CFD experience 
  • Prior topology optimization experience 
  • Prior DFAM/DFM experience 
  • Experience with large and complex models in a computational design software 


EEO Statement:  

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.