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Propulsion Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin

Propulsion Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

Your duties will include responsibility for the design, manufacture, procurement and test for the propulsion system components and assemblies. This job requires coordinating with customers, suppliers ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer I (propulsion systems) to support ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer I (propulsion systems) to support ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Longmont, CO

$80K - $100K/yr

We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer I (propulsion systems) to support ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO

$80K - $100K/yr

Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer I (propulsion systems) to support the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles. Ursa Major's teams ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer II (Vehicle)

Longmont, CO

$92K - $115K/yr

We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer II (propulsion systems) to support ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer II (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO

$92K - $115K/yr

Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer II (propulsion systems) to support the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles. Ursa Major's teams ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer II (Vehicle)

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$92K - $115K/yr

We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Ursa Major is seeking a Propulsion Engineer II (propulsion systems) to support ...

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All JobsPropulsion JobsPropulsion Jobs in Colorado

Propulsion information

See Colorado salary details

$43.1K

$108.1K

$176.1K

How much do propulsion jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion in Colorado is $108,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Propulsion vs Propulsion Engineer?

AspectPropulsionPropulsion Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in propulsion systemsEngineering degree, specialized in propulsion systems, often with experience in design and testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, develop, and test propulsion systems in labs or on-site at aerospace or automotive companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly to refer to propulsion systems or the field of propulsionSpecific job title for professionals working on propulsion system development and testing

Propulsion refers to the overall field or systems that generate thrust, while a Propulsion Engineer is a professional specializing in designing, developing, and testing these systems within industries like aerospace and automotive. The engineer role involves hands-on work with propulsion technologies, requiring specific skills and certifications.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In propulsion-related fields, senior aerospace engineers, chief propulsion engineers, and aerospace program managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership roles. High-level executive positions in aerospace companies or defense contractors may also reach this compensation level, often including bonuses and stock options.

What are propulsion engineers?

Propulsion engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that move vehicles, such as rockets, airplanes, or ships, by generating thrust. They work with various types of propulsion systems, including jet engines, rocket engines, and other means of mechanical propulsion. Their work involves applying principles of physics and engineering to ensure efficient and reliable movement for different modes of transportation. Propulsion engineers play a critical role in the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior propulsion engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in aerospace or defense industries, can earn salaries of $500,000 or more. These roles often involve leadership, complex system design, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior propulsion engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and expertise in aerospace or defense industries, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineers often work in specialized roles, lead projects, or hold managerial positions, and may require certifications and proficiency with simulation tools and design software.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion engineers when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams?

Propulsion engineers often work closely with structural, avionics, and systems engineering teams to ensure that engine integration meets all safety and performance requirements. One common challenge is balancing propulsion system constraints with overall vehicle design, particularly when there are competing priorities or tight deadlines. Effective communication and collaboration are essential to resolve issues such as thermal management, weight distribution, and interface compatibility. Being proactive in team meetings and having a strong understanding of how propulsion systems interact with other subsystems can help engineers navigate these complexities successfully.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or working in high-paying industries like defense or aerospace manufacturing. Salaries vary by location, employer, and specialization, with senior roles and managerial positions often reaching or exceeding this level.

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

To thrive as a Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, propulsion analysis tools, and industry-standard simulation platforms such as ANSYS or MATLAB is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and innovate in complex technical environments. These skills are crucial for designing, testing, and optimizing propulsion systems that meet safety, efficiency, and performance standards.
What are popular job titles related to Propulsion jobs in Colorado? For Propulsion jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Propulsion jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Propulsion jobs in Colorado are:
Propulsion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,122 per year, or $52 per hour.
Director, Propulsion Engineering

Director, Propulsion Engineering

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
As Director of Propulsion Engineering at True Anomaly, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of next-generation propulsion systems across our spacecraft and missile defense portfolio. You will own the technical vision for propulsion from early concepts through flight while coordinating the future of our propulsion testing strategy. You will also drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, including metal additive manufacturing, to accelerate development timelines and unlock novel design solutions. This is a high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of deep propulsion expertise, rigorous test operations, and cutting-edge manufacturing innovation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Propulsion System Development
  • Define and own the propulsion technology roadmap across True Anomaly's spacecraft and defense platforms, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements.
  • Drive system-level requirements development, decomposition, and traceability from vehicle-level requirements down to component and subsystem specifications.
  • Drive make/buy analysis and cost/risk/performance trades for propulsion components including engines, valves, tanks, and fluid systems.
  • Collaborate on the design, development, test and deployment of the fluid systems that are integral to our propulsion systems.
  • Champion the integration of metal additive manufacturing (AM) methods into propulsion hardware development - evaluating AM applicability, qualifying printed components, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to mature AM processes for flight use.
  • Ensure propulsion designs are robust and reliable across the space operating environment.

Test Facility Oversight
  • Provide strategic oversight of True Anomaly's propulsion testing efforts, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective execution of hot-fire, cold-flow, and pressure test campaigns.
  • Own the test facility roadmap - identifying capability gaps, leading infrastructure investments, and scaling test operations to support our accelerating development efforts.
  • Oversee the development of propellant loading capabilities, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, and anomaly investigation and resolution during test campaigns.
  • Drive a culture of test rigor and data-driven decision-making within the propulsion organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and systems engineering teams to ensure propulsion systems integrate seamlessly at the vehicle level.
  • Serve as the primary propulsion point of contact in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and communicate propulsion status, risks, and recommendations clearly to program leadership and customers.
  • Interface with government customers, external partners, and suppliers to define requirements, manage deliverables, and resolve technical issues.
  • Present propulsion strategy, technical status, and test results to internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Team Building & Management
  • Build, lead, and scale a high-performing team of propulsion engineers with expertise spanning fluid systems, combustion, structural analysis, test operations, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Develop and execute a staffing and organizational growth plan aligned with program timelines; partner with Talent Acquisition to attract top propulsion talent.
  • Establish a strong engineering culture grounded in technical rigor, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor senior engineers and define clear technical career paths within the propulsion organization.
  • Define team processes, tools, and standards for design, documentation, analysis, and test.

Program Execution
  • Own propulsion deliverables against program schedules, budgets, and technical performance metrics.
  • Proactively identify technical risks and drive mitigation strategies; communicate status and critical issues clearly to the VP of Space Vehicle Engineering and program leadership.
  • Support spacecraft integration and test campaigns including I&T planning, anomaly investigation, and resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • 15+ years of professional experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or advanced defense propulsion systems, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or people management role.
  • Demonstrated experience leading propulsion systems development across the full lifecycle - from concept and design through integration, test, and flight operations.
  • Deep expertise in fluid system design and analysis including rocket engines, flight valves, propellant tanks and pressurization systems.
  • Extensive propulsion test experience including hot-fire and pressure testing, vehicle-level propulsion checkouts, propellant loading, and test facility operations and safety management.
  • Proven track record of building, scaling, and leading high-performing propulsion engineering teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical content to senior leadership and external customers.
  • Passion for the space and defense industry and a drive to push the boundaries of what's possible.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Hands-on experience with metal additive manufacturing for propulsion applications, including design for AM, process qualification, and flight certification of printed components.
  • Experience with valve and/or propellant tank design, analysis, and manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with or direct experience overseeing a propulsion test facility, including infrastructure planning and safety program management.
  • Background in DoD space or missile defense propulsion programs.
  • Experience scaling a propulsion or aerospace engineering organization during a high-growth or startup phase.
  • Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
  • Familiarity with relevant standards: MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion standards, NASA-STD, or equivalent.
  • Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above), or the ability to obtain one.

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $190,000-$320,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
  • Work Location-Primarily onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO, with regular travel (up to 20%) to our Long Beach, CA factory and vendor/test sites.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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