1

Propulsion Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Up to 30% within continental United States) Our client is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance ...

Up to 30% within continental United States) Our client is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance ...

Up to 30% within continental United States) Our client is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to support the NOVASTAR program. This position will support a broad range of work involving the guidance ...

... Propulsion Support, Inc. Essential Functions Production Requirement (Implementation thru cell leaders, members, quality, and product engineers) * Working to Customer requirements --- * Help Cell ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Propulsion information

See Ohio salary details

$39K

$97.8K

$159.2K

How much do propulsion jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion in Ohio is $97,755.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $112,200.00 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 Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,755 per year, or $47 per hour.

Senior Propulsion Endineer

Cornerstone Signals & Cyber Technologies LLC

Dayton, OH • On-site

$185K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Senior Propulsion EngineerLocation: Dayton, Ohio - NASIC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Clearance: Active TS/SCI 
Cornerstone Signals & Cyber Technologies LLC is a certified Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) providing engineering, technical, advisory, intelligence, and program management services to Federal Government customers. Our professionals support mission-critical national security programs across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Federal civilian agencies.
Position Summary
Cornerstone is seeking a highly motivated Senior Propulsion Engineer to support an advanced aerospace and missile systems program in Dayton, Ohio. The successful candidate will provide technical engineering support involving rocket propulsion systems, guidance, navigation, control, modeling and simulation, and aerospace vehicle performance analysis.
This position supports Government customers by evaluating propulsion technologies, conducting engineering analyses, performing technical research, and developing formal engineering assessments related to liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, and associated propulsion subsystems.
The selected candidate will operate with minimal supervision while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver technically sound, mission-focused solutions.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide technical analysis and engineering support for advanced propulsion systems supporting aerospace and missile programs.
  • Research, evaluate, and assess liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, and associated propulsion technologies.
  • Respond to Government technical inquiries through engineering analyses, literature reviews, and formal technical reports.
  • Perform propulsion performance evaluations using analytical methods, engineering software, and established technical databases.
  • Support design reviews, trade studies, and technical risk assessments.
  • Analyze propulsion system performance, combustion processes, thermal environments, and fluid flow characteristics.
  • Support modeling and simulation activities associated with propulsion system performance.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to evaluate total vehicle performance and subsystem integration.
  • Prepare technical briefings and engineering documentation for Government stakeholders.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging propulsion technologies and applicable engineering standards.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Eight (8) or more years of professional engineering experience supporting propulsion systems, aerospace systems, fluid mechanics, or closely related disciplines.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Thermodynamics
    • Chemical equilibrium
    • Stoichiometry
    • Compressible flow
    • Rocket nozzle theory
    • Structural mechanics
    • Classical mechanics
  • Experience performing engineering calculations using one or more of the following:
    • Python
    • MATLAB
    • C
    • C++
    • Fortran
  • Ability to independently conduct technical research and develop engineering reports.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with emphasis in chemical propulsion.
  • Eight (8) or more years of propulsion engineering experience.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense or Intelligence Community aerospace programs.
  • Experience with liquid rocket engines and/or solid rocket motors.
  • Experience utilizing JANNAF propulsion databases.
  • Experience using NASA Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA) or comparable propulsion analysis software.
  • Knowledge of:
    • Propellant combustion
    • Feed systems
    • Injector design
    • Cooling systems
    • Igniter design
    • Propellant grain design
    • Structural analysis of rocket motors
    • Pressure loss analysis
    • Propulsion instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow measurement systems.
  • Experience participating in multidisciplinary engineering design reviews.
Desired Skills
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
  • Ability to independently solve complex engineering problems.
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
  • Effective collaboration within integrated engineering teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple technical priorities while meeting project deadlines.
  • Commitment to technical excellence and continuous professional development.
Base salary is currently $185,000, possibly more depending on qualifications, directly related experience, technical expertise, and security clearance.