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Senior Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

Senior Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$123K - $169K/yr

Senior Propulsion Engineer As our Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be a leader in designing, building, and testing our propulsion systems. You will use your experience to improve the performance ...

Impulse Space

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $195K/yr

Senior Propulsion Engineer Department: Propulsion Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $140,000 - $195,000 / year Description As a Senior Propulsion Engineer at Impulse ...

Astranis

Senior Propulsion Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$145K - $235K/yr

Senior Propulsion Engineer As our Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be a leader in designing, building, and testing our propulsion systems. You will use your experience to improve the performance ...

Venus Aerospace

Sr. Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

The Role: Sr. Propulsion Engineer As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine and/or Propellant ...

Venus Aerospace

Sr. Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

The Role: Sr. Propulsion Engineer As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine and/or Propellant ...

Venus Aerospace

Sr. Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX

$99K - $137K/yr

The Role: Sr. Propulsion Engineer As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine and/or Propellant ...

Venus Aerospace

Sr. Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX

$88K - $121K/yr

The Role: Sr. Propulsion Engineer As a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be involved in the design, analysis, and development of propulsion hardware from piece parts to engine and/or Propellant ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Vast

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$106K - $145K/yr

Vast is looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager of E-2 Engineering, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for ...

Tanisha Systems, Inc.

Role - Senior Propulsion Engineer - Propulsion Systems Location - Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Onsite) Type :- */T4 - Job Responsibilities: • Support design, analysis and integration of propulsion ...

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$89K - $123K/yr

The department is seeking to hire an Senior Engineer - Propulsion. This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, Arizona. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies ...

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$95K - $130K/yr

The department is seeking to hire an Senior Engineer - Propulsion. This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, Arizona. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies ...

Raytheon

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

The department is seeking to hire an Senior Engineer - Propulsion. This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, Arizona. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies ...

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Senior Propulsion Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior propulsion engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Propulsion Engineer vs Propulsion Engineer?

AspectSenior Propulsion EngineerPropulsion Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Propulsion Engineering; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in related engineering fields; 2-4 years experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development in aerospace or defense industriesDesign and testing of propulsion systems, often under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageMajor aerospace, defense, and space companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Propulsion Engineer and a Propulsion Engineer lies in experience level, responsibilities, and expertise. Senior Propulsion Engineers typically lead projects, provide technical guidance, and have more extensive industry experience, while Propulsion Engineers focus on supporting design and testing tasks. Both roles are essential in aerospace and defense sectors, but the senior position requires more advanced skills and leadership capabilities.

What are some common challenges Senior Propulsion Engineers face when leading cross-functional teams on complex projects?

Senior Propulsion Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning diverse technical teams, balancing project timelines with rigorous testing standards, and integrating propulsion systems with other subsystems. Effective communication is crucial, as these engineers must translate technical requirements between engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance groups. Additionally, they are responsible for mentoring junior engineers and ensuring that the team stays adaptable to evolving project priorities or unforeseen technical obstacles.

What are Senior Propulsion Engineers?

Senior Propulsion Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and oversee the performance of propulsion systems, such as jet engines, rocket engines, or other mechanical systems that generate thrust for vehicles like aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles. They lead engineering teams, manage complex projects, and ensure that propulsion systems meet safety, efficiency, and performance standards. These engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, troubleshoot technical issues, and often mentor junior engineers while staying updated on the latest advancements in propulsion technology.

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

To thrive as a Senior Propulsion Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of propulsion systems, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, often supplemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with simulation software (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), CAD tools, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, leadership, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for driving innovative designs, ensuring safety and performance, and leading multidisciplinary teams in complex aerospace projects.
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Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Senior Propulsion Engineer

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

$123K - $169K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Senior Propulsion Engineer 

As our Senior Propulsion Engineer, you will be a leader in designing, building, and testing our propulsion systems. You will use your experience to improve the performance of our systems, design propulsion systems from clean sheet, and to provide mentorship to younger engineers on the team. You will be a part of the test and production of many satellites that will provide service to underserved areas.

Role
  • Become a technical leader and help shape the future of propulsion systems at Astranis
  • Design, analyze, and document in-space propulsion systems to meet existing and future mission requirements
  • Define and execute on qualification campaigns for propulsion components and systems
  • Establish how we fly and operate our spacecrafts for 10+ years
  • Develop strong relationships with vendors, ensuring their hardware meets our flight requirements before arriving at the factory
  • Support assembly integration and test processes through launch including troubleshooting issues with spacecraft propulsion system
  • Work across teams to solve problems and meet goals in a highly collaborative work environment
  • Mentor entry level engineers and interns and support hiring initiatives
Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g. engineering, physics) or equivalent experience
  • 7+ years of propulsion industry experience in a design, test, or manufacture related role
  • Experience with 3D CAD, mechanical design, fabrication, and environmental qualification
  • Previous aerospace or similar product design and production experience (full product development cycle)
  • Hands-on experience working with fluid or gas feed systems
  • Working knowledge of in space electric and chemical propulsion systems
Bonus
  • Experience with propulsion or fluid component design
  • Direct experience with structural or fluid analysis tools (GFSSP, ANSYS, Fluent, etc)
  • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and other Range Safety documentation and requirements
  • Experience writing Python for scientific calculation and data processing
  • Familiarity with mission operations for satellites
  • Specific experience with low thrust monopropellant, green monopropellant, and electric propulsion systems

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