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Senior Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the ...

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the ...

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the ...

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the ...

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Phoenix, AZ

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion. What You Will Do * Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the ...

Senior Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Senior Engineer - Air Breathing Propulsion Location: Tucson, AZ, United States - Onsite. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain U.S. government‑issued security clearance ...

Senior Principal Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Phoenix, AZ

$124K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering Directorate. This Department is responsible for the full spectrum of warhead, fuzing, and ...

Senior Principal Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

$118K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering Directorate. This Department is responsible for the full spectrum of warhead, fuzing, and ...

Senior Principal Engineer - Solid Propulsion

Tucson, AZ

$118K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering Directorate. This Department is responsible for the full spectrum of warhead, fuzing, and ...

Senior Advanced Mechanical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Opportunity to support advanced aerospace propulsion programs * High-impact engineering role with ... Join PDS Tech Commercial as a Sr. Advanced Engineer and help drive innovation, quality, and ...

Senior Engineer - Warhead/Lethality

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Warhead. The Engineer II - Warhead role is in ...

Senior Engineer - Warhead/Lethality

Phoenix, AZ

$103K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering ... The department is seeking to hire a Senior Engineer - Warhead. The Engineer II - Warhead role is in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Propulsion Engineer information

What is a senior propulsion engineer?

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?

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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Senior Propulsion Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Propulsion Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Propulsion Engineer - Level 2/3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$79K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Propulsion Engineering team in the Mechanical and Energetics Department is hiring for a Propulsion Engineer Level 2/3 located in Chandler, Arizona to support our customer program. Propulsion Engineering within the Mechanical and Energetics Department covers Solid Rocket Motors, Ordnance Components, and Pneumatics Systems.
Essential Functions:
  • Analyze, integrate, and test launch vehicle solid rocket motors
  • Interface with the various internal and external program customers and suppliers to provide optimized solutions that meet the requirements of the program
  • Provide technical guidance and insight of solid rocket motors throughout the various design, analysis, testing, and integration efforts
  • Interface with multiple disciplines to ensure propulsion engineering design standards are properly implemented
  • Work within a team to meet the milestone delivery timelines
  • Utilize engineering methods to evaluate design changes and/or root cause/failure investigations, particularly relating to Solid Rocket Motors
  • Effectively communicate with suppliers, procurement teams, and program management
  • Anticipate customer needs and seek out innovative solutions
  • Originate and develop constructive ideas. Consistently look for ways to modify or change existing methods or processes to improve outcomes
  • Identify options to solve problems and find the optimal solution by considering cost, technical, and schedule impacts
  • Develop and present materials for project related briefings including design reviews to be given to internal and external customers

Basic Qualifications for Propulsion Engineer 2:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in STEM with 0 years of related engineering experience
  • Ability to obtain an active US Government Secret Security clearance, or higher
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to large customer community
  • Ability to solve problems, support troubleshooting efforts, drive tasks to completion
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and juggle multiple concurrent projects and priorities
  • Ability to develop trade studies and present results to senior management

Basic Qualifications for Propulsion Engineer 3:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience, or a PhD in STEM with 1 year of related experience.
  • Ability to obtain an active US Government Secret Security clearance, or higher
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to large customer community
  • Ability to solve problems, support troubleshooting efforts, drive tasks to completion
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and juggle multiple concurrent projects and priorities
  • Ability to develop trade studies and present results to senior management

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active US Government Secret Security clearance, or higher at the time of application
  • Product development
  • Experience in the design, analysis, or manufacturing of solid rocket motors
  • Configuration change management
  • Failure Investigation Methodology

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939