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Propulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

System Design Engineer Camden, NJ The System Design Engineer will be responsible for assisting in the design of plant systems and processes, including specification of major components and systems ...

NDI Engineering Company is seeking Mechanical Engineers to support propulsion systems onboard U.S ... Provide design, installation, and testing support of power transmission systems including ...

Systems Design Engineer II

Camden, NJ · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Develop and maintain system design documentation, including system descriptions, design specifications, engineering calculations, technical reports, and design bases. * Develop, verify, and manage ...

Systems Design Engineer I

Camden, NJ · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Develop system design documentation, including system descriptions, design specifications, engineering calculations, and technical reports. * Support the development, verification, and management of ...

Design Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities This position is for an engineer with strong AutoCAD skills and a detail-oriented ... Familiarity with shipboard machinery control systems, propulsion plant configurations, or HM&E ...

New

Design Engineer

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities This position is for an engineer with strong AutoCAD skills and a detail-oriented ... Familiarity with shipboard machinery control systems, propulsion plant configurations, or HM&E ...

New

Design Engineer

Bryn Mawr, PA · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities This position is for an engineer with strong AutoCAD skills and a detail-oriented ... Familiarity with shipboard machinery control systems, propulsion plant configurations, or HM&E ...

New

Design Engineer

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities This position is for an engineer with strong AutoCAD skills and a detail-oriented ... Familiarity with shipboard machinery control systems, propulsion plant configurations, or HM&E ...

New

Design Engineer

Plymouth Meeting, PA · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities This position is for an engineer with strong AutoCAD skills and a detail-oriented ... Familiarity with shipboard machinery control systems, propulsion plant configurations, or HM&E ...

New

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Propulsion System Design Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$50K

$119.7K

$175.1K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion system design engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $119,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Philadelphia, PA?

For Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Propulsion System Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Propulsion System Design Engineer job openings:

System Design Engineer

Camden, NJ • On-site


Holtec International
Oil and Gas Extraction • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

System Design Engineer
Camden, NJ
The System Design Engineer will be responsible for assisting in the design of plant systems and processes, including specification of major components and systems analysis that will support engineering and licensing requirements.
Responsibilities:
  • Create feasible and practical solutions to design problems;
  • Interface with other engineering disciplines and licensing groups as well as managing system integration activities;
  • Develop process flow diagrams, piping, and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), system descriptions, specifications, thermal and pressure loss calculations, and control logic;
  • Develop design specifications for individual system components such as heat exchangers, pumps, valves, etc.;
  • Develop equipment specifications and interact with vendors to obtain vendor input/design confirmation of various components;
  • Review component drawing and system P&IDs to ensure compliance to the drawing standards and system/component requirements;
  • Develop testing plans and procedures and requirements for testing systems, structures, and components;
  • Develop engineering and licensing requirements for nuclear systems, structures, and components; and
  • Train and mentor less-tenured engineers on these duties.
  • Hybrid Work Schedule.

Requirements:
  • Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, or a related field;
  • 6 months of experience as a Research Assistant or in a related field;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of sustainable development of water resource systems;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of kinetics and reactor design;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of advanced molecular thermodynamics;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of transport processes;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of chemical product design;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of energy impacts on technology, environment, economics, and sustainability;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of mechanics of solids for chemical engineering;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of fluid mechanics;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of chemical process calculations;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of chemical engineering thermodynamics;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of process instrumentation dynamics and control;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of heat transfer;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of energy engineering;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of chemical process industries;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of chemical reaction engineering;
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of chemical process plant safety; and
  • Experience with or demonstrated knowledge of process equipment design.
  • Employer will accept any level of experience, knowledge, or proficiency in the skills listed. Knowledge may be gained through course work/research projects

Compensation: Base annual salary $123,300 with standard company benefits.
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