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Propulsion Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

YOUR MISSION As a Propulsion Engineer at True Anomaly, you will be responsible for design, build, and test of multiple propulsion systems including flight systems and ground test campaigns in the ...

YOUR MISSION As a Propulsion Engineer at True Anomaly, you will be responsible for design, build, and test of multiple propulsion systems including flight systems and ground test campaigns in the ...

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Propulsion information

See Colorado salary details

$43.1K

$108.1K

$176.1K

How much do propulsion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 is a propulsion engineer?

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 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.

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.
Infographic showing various Propulsion job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,122 per year, or $52 per hour.

Propulsion Development Engineer II

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

YOUR MISSION

As a Propulsion Development Engineer at True Anomaly, you will be an integral contributor to the buildout and early operations of our new Denver Front Range propulsion test facility. Working directly alongside our Propulsion Development and Test team, you will support the full arc of facility development - from requirements and trade studies through detailed design, fabrication oversight, installation, and commissioning, operations, and propulsion testing. This is an early-career role with broad exposure: on any given week you may be running analysis to support a trade study, reviewing vendor drawings, supporting a proof pressure test, or helping develop a test procedure. You will grow quickly, work on hardware that matters, and contribute to a propulsion test capability being built from the ground up. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Requirements & Trade Study Support 

  • Support the development and maintenance of test stand requirements documentation and requirements traceability matrices under the direction of senior engineers. 
  • Assist in the preparation and execution of trade studies evaluating facility infrastructure options, GSE configurations, and test stand design alternatives; compile data, build comparison matrices, and contribute to formal trade study reports. 
  • Research commercially available components, instrumentation systems, and facility equipment; summarize findings and support vendor engagement. 
  • Help to maintain documentation of the test stand configuration as requirements evolve and design decisions are made. 

Design & Drawing Support 

  • Support the Senior Development Engineers in the development of CAD models and engineering drawings for test stand structures, fluid system components, and GSE hardware. 
  • Review vendor and supplier drawings for compliance with design requirements and interface specifications; work redlines and open actions to closure. 
  • Assist with P&ID development and markup, maintaining revision control and supporting design review preparation. 
  • Help develop fabrication packages and bill of materials for test stand hardware under senior engineer guidance. 

Analysis & Verification 

  • Perform or support engineering calculations for pressure systems, including flow sizing, pressure drop analysis, proof and burst margin verification, and relief device sizing. 
  • Support structural analysis activities for test stand hardware, including load estimates and margin checks. 
  • Assist with requirements verification planning and maintain verification status matrices tracking compliance across facility systems. 
  • Support development and review of hazard analyses and facility safety documentation. 

Fabrication, Installation & Commissioning Support 

  • Support procurement activities including preparation of purchase requisitions, review of supplier technical proposals, and tracking of long-lead hardware deliveries. 
  • Assist with oversight of fabricated hardware during build and assembly; document nonconformances and support disposition. 
  • Participate in installation and commissioning activities at the test facility site, including system walkdowns, installation verification, and acceptance testing. 
  • Assist with proof pressure testing, leak checks, and functional verification of installed systems; collect and reduce test data. 

Test Operations Support 

  • Contribute to the development of test plans, test procedures, and data acquisition configurations for early test campaigns. 
  • Support test execution as a test stand operator or data monitor during facility verification and initial propulsion test campaigns. 
  • Assist with post-test data reduction, anomaly documentation, and test report preparation. 
  • Help maintain configuration control and as-built documentation throughout facility construction and commissioning. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering or related field. 
  • 2-5 years of professional experience in propulsion, fluid systems, test engineering, or mechanical design for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability applications. 
  • Basic familiarity with propulsion or fluid system hardware including pressure vessels, valves, fittings, tubing, and instrumentation. 
  • Experience with 3D CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent) and the ability to read and produce engineering drawings. 
  • Exposure to pressure system design fundamentals including proof, burst, and leak test requirements. 
  • Proficiency with data analysis and scripting tools (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent). 
  • Eagerness to learn, take ownership of assigned tasks, and contribute across a wide range of activities in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate documentation and track open actions. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Hands-on experience supporting propulsion or fluid system test campaigns including pressure testing, leak checking, or functional testing. 
  • Exposure to test stand or test facility hardware, GSE design, or ground support operations. 
  • Familiarity with P&ID development and interpretation. 
  • Experience with data acquisition systems or test instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, or flow meters. 
  • Exposure to hazardous fluid or propellant handling operations. 
  • Familiarity with relevant standards: ASME B31.3, MIL-STD, AIAA propulsion test standards, or NASA-STD equivalents. 
  • Internship or co-op experience at a propulsion test facility, launch vehicle company, or defense contractor. 
  • Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (Secret or above). 

COMPENSATION

  • Base Salary:  $90,000 to $130,000
  • 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

  • Work Location-this role will be fully onsite at either our Centennial, CO office location.
  • 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