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Propulsion System Design Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Mechanical Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

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 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 ...

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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 8, 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 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 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:

Propulsion System Integration Lead (SIL)

Delphinus Engineering

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the Organization
Founded in 1994 as a small, diversified professional services company, Delphinus today employs more than 650 professional and technical personnel supporting a customer base that spans the Defense and Federal markets.
Headquartered in Newtown Square, PA, we have primary offices in Norfolk, VA; San Diego, CA; and Bremerton, WA.
Company Benefits*:
• Comprehensive health program for employee and dependents
• Company paid Dental and Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Short-term and Long-term disability - Company paid
• Life Insurance and AD&D - Company paid
• Voluntary Spouse and Child Life Insurance
• Paid time off with company holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
*Benefit eligibility is set forth in benefit plan documents and organization policies.
Description
TITLE: Propulsion System Integration Lead (SIL)
DESCRIPTION:
SALARY RANGE: $100k-$115k per year
In determining compensation, various factors will be considered, including but not limited to, educational background; relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, market factors; and geographic location.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Delphinus Engineering is seeking an experienced U.S. Navy submarine office, senior enlisted, or civilian submarine system maintenance technician to provide technical, logistical, and administrative assistance to the Submarine Propulsion Plant Engineering Activity (SUB PPEA). The ideal candidate will leverage their hands-on experience to bring an operational perspective to support critical fleet modernization/maintenance and support efforts.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as a technical discipline coordinator and primary point of contact for submarine non-reactor propulsion plant engineering issues.
Assist in the development and delivery of high-level presentations, briefings, and reports on program status, system health, and engineering issues for Program Offices and other external organizations
Act as the logistics point of contact for the development and prosecution of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), technical referrals, and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) cases. This includes supporting the integration of logistics changes and incorporating drawing modifications (SCDs) into existing engineering drawings
Assist the In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) with the drafting, processing, and dissemination of critical information to the Fleet and other agencies via Naval Messages, ISEA Advisories, and technical notices.
Support the processing and dissemination of incoming Fleet feedback and emergent issues, including Casualty Reports (CASREPs), Liaison Action Requests (LARs), and Departures from Specification (DFS) for review by NSWCPD Code 24
Assist System Health Data Management & System Health Analysis of submarine non-reactor propulsion plant system and component health information across all classes of submarines.
Assist NSWCPD with the development, modification, and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other internal processes, including the creation of detailed process maps.
Develop and maintain status/issue-tracking documentation, dashboards, and performance metrics to provide visibility into ongoing engineering and logistics action.
Participate in special projects as required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university or Maritime Academy.
Seven (7) years of experience with U.S. Navy submarine propulsion plants, including steam cycle system design, repair, installation, modification, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing.
Must be a former U.S. Navy submariner or civilian submarine maintenance technician.
Strong understanding of submarine operations and maintenance.
Prior NAVSEA activity experience preferred.
Understanding of the ECP process preferred.
Experience with the Submarine Maintenance Monitoring Information System (SMMIS) and Advanced Technical Information System (ATIS) preferred.
Experience using eForms, eDFS, eTracker, and eAARTS.
Familiarity with NSWC Corona reliability data sites, utilizing SIPRNet for classified communications and data handling, and handling CUI or U-NNPI information preferred.
SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook software.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as presentation skills.
High comfort level working with and around all military/organizational levels, clients, customers, suppliers, and visitors.
Must be highly reliable and demonstrate personal initiative to operate in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must have an active government security clearance or the ability to obtain security clearance.
Travel Requirements: Travel may be up to 10%.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work locations for this position will include customer locations at NSWCPD. The typical workday is eight hours in length. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, with concurrence from the supervisor. Attendance at prescheduled mandatory meetings is required. Visits to other client site locations may include offices, labs, or shipboard environments. Work may be performed onboard US Navy Ships (pier side and at sea), which requires proper safety precautions and ability to go up and down shipboard stairways (ladders); work may require some physical effort in the handling of light materials, boxes, or equipment.
Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal (essential) functions of this job.
The above job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Req Number
ENG-26-00015
This position is currently accepting applications.