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Senior Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Kratos Space & Missile Defense Systems, Inc. is hiring a propulsion engineer to develop next generation solid rocket motors for the US Military, NASA, and Foreign Allies. Our engineering team ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Electrical Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$107K - $140K/yr

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including propulsion, avionics, systems, structures ... Senior Engineer (8+ years): Demonstrates a complete understanding and wide application of ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $138K/yr

Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer The Role Electra is seeking a Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer ... Experience with mechanical design of aircraft systems, including propulsion, mechanical systems ...

Electra Aero

Staff/ Senior Avionics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$110 - $155/hr

You will work closely with cross‑functional teams‑including propulsion, Low Voltage Electrical ... Senior Engineer (8+ years) * Demonstrates a complete understanding and wide application of ...

Electra

Staff/ Senior Avionics Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

You will work closely with cross-functional teams-including propulsion, Low Voltage Electrical ... Senior Engineer (8+ years) * Demonstrates a complete understanding and wide application of ...

Electra

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The Role As our Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the ... Strong understanding of avionics, propulsion, or structural test environments. * S. Person (Citizen ...

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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 Washington?

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

What are popular job titles related to Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Senior Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Propulsion Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Kratos Defense

Glen Burnie, MD

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kratos Space & Missile Defense Systems, Inc. is hiring a propulsion engineer to develop next generation solid rocket motors for the US Military, NASA, and Foreign Allies. Our engineering team develops and launches rockets all over the world utilizing government surplus motors and Kratos commercially developed motors. The candidate will join our team in continuing the development of rocket motors for our launch vehicles and hypersonic vehicles.

 As a propulsion engineer, you will be responsible for the entire engineering design life cycle during development of solid propellant rocket motors from preliminary concept and requirement definition, through hardware fabrication, test, integration, and launch operations. Your focus will primarily be on development and production of rocket motors; however, significant time will also be spent planning and promoting the application of the rocket motors for customers, launch facilities, and possible launch platforms. This role supports the Glen Burnie, MD office.

Responsibilities for this role include the following:

  • Develop, review, and verify requirements
  • Perform system, subsystem, and component trade studies
  • Develop design, analysis, test, and inspection plans for rocket motor development and production projects, and execute planned activities
  • Create designs for rocket motor propulsion elements, to include CAD modeling, engineering drawings, and manufacturing procedures
  • Generate procurement documentation including Statements of Work (SOWs), Technical Requirement Documents (TRDs), etc.
  • Reviews supplier deliverables and lead major technical meetings and reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TIMs, etc.)
  • Interface with related engineering disciplines to provide propulsion related expertise (flight performance, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, GNC, operations, etc.)
  • Support manufacturing teams during component testing and subsystem builds
  • Identify and communicate risks and opportunities related to rocket motor production and utilization, and provide mitigation plans
  • Promptly identify and resolve anomalies and discrepancies
  • Support proposal teams in providing cost and schedule estimates for propulsion related products and activities

Required Experience:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related technical field with 7 years minimum experience, or Master's Degree with 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Prior experience with mechanical and/or propulsion engineering principles
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
  • US citizenship is required

Desired Skills:

  • Active Secret security clearance
  • Familiarity with suborbital or orbital launch vehicle architectures
  • Knowledge of product or performance requirements development and management
  • Ability to create or interpret mechanical engineering drawings

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