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Rocket Propulsion Engineer information

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$40.5K

$101.5K

$165.3K

How much do rocket propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for rocket propulsion engineer in California is $101,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rocket propulsion engineer do?

A Rocket Propulsion Engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves propulsion systems that power rockets and spacecraft. They work with different types of propulsion technologies, such as liquid, solid, hybrid, and electric propulsion. Their responsibilities include analyzing performance, ensuring safety, and optimizing efficiency. These engineers collaborate with teams to create innovative solutions for space exploration, defense, and commercial applications.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a rocket propulsion engineer?

Rocket Propulsion Engineers spend their days designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems for rockets, including engines, fuel systems, and related subsystems. They collaborate closely with other engineers, such as structural and avionics specialists, to integrate propulsion solutions into the broader vehicle design. Daily tasks often involve running simulations, reviewing test data, troubleshooting technical issues, and participating in design or safety reviews. This role is usually a mix of hands-on experimental work and theoretical modeling, providing a dynamic and challenging work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rocket propulsion engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rocket Propulsion Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with propulsion simulation software (like ANSYS or MATLAB), CAD tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as those from NASA or DoD are highly valued. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams are important soft skills. These attributes ensure precise design, safe testing, and innovative solutions in the highly technical and collaborative field of rocket propulsion.

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For Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Rocket Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rocket Propulsion Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,479 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Principal Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Solid Rocket Motor Integration)

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and across missile platforms. Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Serve as a lead or key contributor in the selection, architecting, and integration of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs), ignition systems, Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems, and associated ordnance on missile platforms and air vehicles.
  • Design, fabricate, and test prototype components, structural interfaces, and thrust vectoring or ignition control systems.
  • Plan, instrument, and execute ground static fire, environmental, and integration tests of solid rocket propulsion systems.
  • Coordinate with SRM vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects.
  • Lead or support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
  • Critical member of team supporting CAD design for structural integration, motor cases, nozzles, blast tubes, and aerodynamic / structural interfaces.
  • Travel to vendor sites, test sites and test ranges as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
  • 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience on tactical missiles, launch vehicles, or air vehicles.
  • Professional experience with Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) for defense or aerospace applications.
  • Mastery of rocket internal ballistics, performance modeling, and grain design; ability to influence SRM OEM design decisions to match vehicle requirements.
  • Served as the Chief Engineer or ultimate technical authority on a major solid rocket propulsion program, defining technology roadmaps and architectural baselines.
  • Experience identifying and selecting strategic SRM suppliers, managing critical OEM relationships, and establishing qualified supply chains.
  • Experience defining comprehensive propulsion test programs (including static fire testing, environmental qualification, hazards classification, acceptance, flight-test readiness) and troubleshooting system-level anomalies.
  • Experience advising executive leadership on technical risks, representing the company to key customers / government agencies, and mentoring mid-to-senior level engineers.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB.
  • Hands-on experience with solid rocket motor testing, including static fire test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
  • Previous work experience at a Solid Rocket Motor OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of propellant formulation, grain geometries, and nozzle performance trade-offs.
  • Knowledge and experience working with Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems, Ignition Safety Devices (ISD / ESAD), ordnance systems, telemetry / flight termination systems, burn rate enhancers (BRE).
  • Experience tailoring and conducting sensitive munition testing.
  • Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.
  • Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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