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Propulsion System Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

NDI Engineering Company is seeking Mechanical Engineers to support propulsion systems onboard U.S. Navy Vessels. The ideal candidate will have experience in Main Reduction Gear (MRG), Propulsors ...

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Propulsion System Engineer information

What is a propulsion system engineer?

Propulsion System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that propel vehicles, such as rockets, airplanes, or spacecraft. They work with various types of engines, including jet, rocket, and other advanced propulsion technologies, to ensure efficient and safe performance. Their responsibilities often include analyzing system requirements, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize propulsion systems for specific missions or vehicles. They play a crucial role in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.

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

To thrive as a Propulsion System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of propulsion system regulations or certifications (such as those from SAE or FAA) are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and project management abilities set outstanding engineers apart in collaborative and high-stakes environments. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of propulsion systems in complex aerospace projects.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion system engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Propulsion System Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex mechanical, electrical, and software components while ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, conducting rigorous simulation and testing, and staying current with industry standards and technological advancements. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and technologies may evolve rapidly. Additionally, effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing unexpected issues during development and testing phases.

What is the difference between Propulsion System Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion System EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test propulsion systems for aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space sectorsBroadly used in automotive, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace sectors

The Propulsion System Engineer specializes in designing and testing propulsion components, often within aerospace and defense industries, requiring specific knowledge of propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineers have a broader focus on mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Propulsion System Engineers focus more on propulsion-specific design and testing, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Propulsion System Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Propulsion System Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Propulsion System Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.ย ย 

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologiesย ย 

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we're building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what's next. And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.ย ย 

You'll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We're a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.ย ย 

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager.ย ย 

The Senior Propulsion Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems is responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating propulsion systems for spacecraft including lunar landers.

The position reports to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA. This role is hybrid with regular on-site presence expected.ย 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of new propulsion systems for spacecraft and lunar landers
  • Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and other spacecraft subsystems to assess requirements, design progress, schedule, and risks
  • Create conceptual and detailed designs of hypergol-basedย propulsion systems including tanks, valves, instrumentation, engines, and pressurization systems.ย 
  • Perform supplier management support including developing specifications for vendor supplied components, providing technical review of manufacturing processes, and assuring requirements are met via test and/or analysis
  • Create integration instructions, and provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
  • Contribute to technical readiness and safety reviews for testing activities of propulsion system components, including on-site support of vendor-supplied hardware when necessary
  • Write mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next.ย ย 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8 years of experience in spacecraft propulsion, OR a Master's Degree with 6 years of related experience
  • Knowledge of propulsion system architecture, best practices, components, and suppliers
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate a technical team of 3 or more engineers aligned to a common goal in a multi-year project
  • Demonstrated decision making with informed risk to properly balance quality, cost, and schedule across a project that includes non-propulsion subsystems
  • Component specification, vendor management, and requirements verification for components such as valves, pressure vessels, pumps, thrusters, instrumentation
  • Ability to drive technical rigor in engineering design and verification to meet quality requirements
  • Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Senior-level experience with hypergolic propulsion systems is desired
  • Experience with using fluid system design and analysis software (Thermal Desktop or Amesim preferred) to perform propulsion system trade studies
  • Experience with space and / or lunar systems, environments, and design considerations
  • Familiarity with propulsion system and spacecraft cleanliness standards
  • Experience with hypergolic fluids handling and safety
  • Test facility design, assembly, and operation

Travel, Physical, and/or Government Mandated Requirements:ย 

  • Travel: occasional, periodic with specified project need, with stays up to a week when on-site support is required
  • Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds
  • ITARย  access requiredย 

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.ย ย ย 

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balanceย 
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employeesย 
  • Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enrollย 
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial securityย 
  • Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-beingย 
  • Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resourcesย 
  • The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environmentย 

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.ย ย 

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120-130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.ย ย 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteranย ย 

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.ย