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Propulsion Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Propulsion Systems Engineer Pay rate: $59 - $61/hr. Location: Tustin, CA Zip Code: 92780 Duration: 12 Months Start Date: Right Away Keywords: #TustinJobs; #SystemsEngineerjobs ; We provide a ...

As a Space Propulsion Systems Engineer at Busek, you will own the requirements baseline that drives propulsion system design and ensure mission needs are met through structured verification and ...

As a Space Propulsion Systems Engineer at Busek, you will own the requirements baseline that drives propulsion system design and ensure mission needs are met through structured verification and ...

Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$126.20K - $172.70K/yr

As a senior system engineer in the propulsion team, you'll be the driving force behind technical alignment and integration. You'll define system architecture, coordinate system interactions, manage ...

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Propulsion Systems Engineer information

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$62.5K

$122.5K

$184K

How much do propulsion systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion systems engineer in the United States is $122,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $147,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Propulsion Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Propulsion Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with propulsion modeling software (such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or Simulink), CAD systems, and industry certifications like EIT or PE are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for designing, analyzing, and optimizing propulsion systems that meet safety, efficiency, and performance standards in demanding engineering environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by Propulsion Systems Engineers when working on multi-disciplinary teams?

Propulsion Systems Engineers often collaborate with specialists in aerodynamics, structures, controls, and manufacturing, which can present challenges in aligning requirements and timelines across disciplines. Effective communication and a strong understanding of interdependencies are crucial to ensure propulsion components integrate seamlessly with the overall vehicle. Engineers may need to balance performance goals with constraints such as weight, cost, and manufacturability, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills. Building strong relationships with colleagues in other departments can greatly facilitate project success and personal growth.

What does a Propulsion Systems Engineer do?

A Propulsion Systems Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests systems that provide thrust for vehicles such as rockets, airplanes, and spacecraft. Their work involves selecting and integrating engines, fuel systems, and related components to ensure efficient and reliable propulsion. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize performance, address technical challenges, and meet safety and regulatory standards. This role requires a strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science.

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

AspectPropulsion Systems EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure optional
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 across manufacturing, automotive, energy, and aerospace

Propulsion Systems Engineers focus on designing and testing propulsion components for aerospace and space applications, requiring specialized knowledge in propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, Propulsion Systems Engineers often need specific aerospace or propulsion certifications, making their expertise more specialized in propulsion technology.

More about Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Propulsion Systems Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs? The top employers for Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Propulsion Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,519 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
Propulsion Systems Engineer

Propulsion Systems Engineer

Joby Aviation

San Carlos, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate Systems Engineer to join our electric propulsion team to support the development of the S4 Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicle (EVTOL).  As a system engineer in the propulsion team, you'll be the driving force behind technical alignment and integration.  You'll define system architecture, coordinate system interactions, manage requirements and interfaces, and ensure the assembly designs operate reliably within the aircraft envelope, from concept through test, certification, and in-service.  This role blends technical depth with systems-level orchestration.

The Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control System has responsibility for the aircraft primary flight control functions (pilot inceptors, flight sensors, data processing and communications, control laws, control surface and propulsion effectors) and some of the vehicle management functions. You'll play a central role in translating mission-level goals into engineering execution, ensuring our propulsion system performs as a unified manner within our broader aircraft platform.

Responsibilities
  • Define and manage propulsion system-level architecture, requirements, and interfaces
  • Track engineering progress and technical dependencies across the subsystem
  • Involvement in validation analyses and reviews at all levels for the Propulsion system requirements
  • Support product design teams in satisfying system and certification requirements, development analyses, modeling, simulation, assessment of results, and making recommendations and design decisions resulting from these activities
  • Lead and performing system integration and verification activities including:
    • Integration/Verification test plan definition
    • Qualification test plan development and reviews
    • Verification test case development and reviews
    • Test procedure reviews and approvals
    • Data reduction, analyses and test report generation
    • Problem reports, resolution, and tracking issues to closure
    • Working with the team to develop means of compliance to regulatory requirements
  • Document, analyze, and manage technical risks and opportunities for the Propulsion systems 
  • Prepare artifacts and briefing material for technical meetings, design reviews, program reviews, safety-of-flight reports and audit meetings with Regulators
  • Assists in creating Type Certification documents and reports for Regulatory Authorities
  • Support Flight Standards and Maintenance teams in determining and addressing in-service operational consequences
  • Collaborating with Product Design, Avionics, Systems, Quality, Maintenance, Flight Operations, Certification, and Program Management cross-functional teams
  • Provide guidance to junior engineers in development of the Propulsion system
Required
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics required; Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering preferred
  • Application of disciplined systems engineering processes
  • Familiarity with requirements management and safety assessment concepts
  • Experience with digital Electric Motor control principles and mechanization
  • Experience in a laboratory environment
  • Exposure to modeling and simulation using MATLAB/Simulink
  • Excellent verbal and technical writing skills in English language
  • Ability to work collaboratively, and in a self-sufficient manner
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Docs
Desired
  • Minimum 5 years of Aerospace industry experience in Propulsion system
  • Electric vehicle technology experience
  • Experience integrating and testing complex, highly integrated systems, including failure modes and effects testing (FMET)
  • Experience with Propulsion systems development from preliminary design through certification and in-service deployment
  • Understand the application of development assurance processes according to SAE ARP4754A
  • Familiarization with safety assessment process, methods, and analyses (FHA, FMEA/FMECA, FTA, CCA) used in safety assessments (PSSA, SSA) per SAE ARP4761
  • Working knowledge of DO-160G environmental qualification
  • Familiarity and experience with FAA Part 23, Part 25, Part 27, and/or Part 29 Certification Regulations
  • Use of Requirements Management tools (working knowledge of Siemens Polarion is a plus)
  • Experienced in model-based engineering using MATLAB/Simulink
  • Experience using Atlassian tools including Jira, Confluence, and Crucible
  • Familiar with Dassault Systems Engineering and Management tools (Enovia)
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $115,000 - $158,000/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME