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Propulsion System Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Prattwhitney

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion Location: Tucson, AZ, United States - Onsite. The ... Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ...

Raytheon

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do ... Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ...

Raytheon

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do ... Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ...

Raytheon

Principal Engineer - Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ... Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System * Demonstrated ...

Prattwhitney

Principal Engineer - Propulsion

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$108 - $205/hr

Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ... Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System. * Demonstrated ...

Raytheon

Principal Engineer - Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ... Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System * Demonstrated ...

Raytheon

Principal Engineer - Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ... Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System * Demonstrated ...

Raytheon

Principal Engineer - Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition ... Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System * Demonstrated ...

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All JobsPropulsion System Engineer JobsPropulsion System Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Propulsion System Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$59.1K

$115.8K

$174K

How much do propulsion system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion system engineer in Tucson, AZ is $115,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Propulsion System Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Propulsion System Engineer job openings:

Propulsion System Engineer jobs near you

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Prattwhitney

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Senior Engineer – Air Breathing Propulsion

Location: Tucson, AZ, United States – Onsite. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain U.S. government‑issued security clearance prior to start date.

Responsibilities
  • Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the systems integration of propulsion, thrusters, controllers, software, mechanical and electrical interfaces for integration into missile systems and space vehicles.
  • Review manufacturing processes, problem resolution, and work directly with subcontractors on the design and manufacturing of solid rocket motor propulsion systems.
  • Collaborate with program management on long‑range program planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancement, acting as a key spokesperson on program technical capabilities and future directions.
  • Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition subcontract data and change requests; and oversee supplier operations.
  • Develop and deliver technical presentations to management and government agencies.
  • Frequently interface with the customer to identify user needs, obtain new company business, and independently uncover and resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational missile programs.
Qualifications – Required
  • Bachelor of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Three (3) years of experience in propulsion technology and its application to solid propulsion systems.
  • Experience in the development of solid propulsion systems from conceptual design through final test/assembly.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance prior to the start date.
Qualifications – Preferred
  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.).
  • Eight (8) or more years of directly related experience in propulsive technology and its application to air‑breathing propulsion systems (turboprop, turbine, scramjet/ramjet, RDE, VFDR, fuel bladders, fuel systems).
  • Systems knowledge to assure full development of propulsion requirements and dissemination and flow down to subcomponent levels.
  • Experience with high‑speed combustion mechanics, inlet geometry design, exhaust geometry design, and compressible fluid dynamics (CFD, NPSS, etc.).
  • Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System.
  • Demonstrated success as a proposal/cost account manager and as a project/team leader.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead collaborative efforts with other technical disciplines (structural, thermal, aerodynamics, low observables).
  • Willingness to travel, including internationally, to provide supplier support.
  • Supplier collaboration experience and oversight generating specifications and statements of work (SOW).
  • Working knowledge or experience with missile design, development, production support, and integration.
  • Experience with DoD customers and/or associated contractor executives and technical leadership.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (Department of Defense).
EEO Statement

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class.

Desired salary range: $86,800 – $165,200 USD.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US

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