ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II Department: Propulsion Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $110,000 - $160,000 / year Description As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer at ...

AVTC Group

Propulsion Engineer Spacecraft

Houston, TX · On-site +1

Propulsion Engineer US Citizen/Permanent Resident Aerospace/Spacecraft Experience Extensive knowledge in component and system certification and the impacts of component design and operating ...

Quantum Space

Propulsion Engineer II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions ... Develop engineering analyses, models, and technical documentation supporting propulsion hardware ...

Pae

DARPA Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer SETA

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and a minimum of 7 years of experience. * Demonstrated experience in spacecraft propulsion design (chemical, electrical, or nuclear) for commercial ...

Amentum

DARPA Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer SETA

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and a minimum of 7 years of experience. * Demonstrated experience in spacecraft propulsion design (chemical, electrical, or nuclear) for commercial ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpacecraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do spacecraft propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft propulsion engineer in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common day-to-day responsibilities of a spacecraft propulsion engineer?

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineers are typically responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems such as rocket engines or thrusters to meet mission requirements. They often conduct simulations, perform performance evaluations, and collaborate closely with systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams. Daily work may involve troubleshooting propulsion issues, overseeing test data collection, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. These responsibilities require both independent technical focus and dynamic teamwork to ensure propulsion systems operate safely and efficiently on each mission.

What does a spacecraft propulsion engineer do?

A Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests propulsion systems that enable spacecraft to maneuver in space or travel between destinations. They work with various propulsion types, including chemical, electric, and nuclear propulsion, to optimize performance, efficiency, and reliability. Their responsibilities include selecting propellants, developing thrusters, and ensuring propulsion systems meet mission requirements. They often collaborate with other engineers to integrate propulsion systems into spacecraft and troubleshoot performance issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spacecraft propulsion engineer?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with expertise in propulsion systems, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with industry-standard modeling software (such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or COMSOL), propulsion system test equipment, and certifications like EIT or PE enhance technical capabilities. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this interdisciplinary field. These skills ensure propulsion engineers can design, analyze, and refine critical systems that enable successful spacecraft missions, often in collaborative and high-stakes environments.

More about Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs are:

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer II
Department: Propulsion
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $110,000 - $160,000 / year
Description
As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as a Responsible Propulsion Engineer for Impulse's in-space propulsion system elements including bipropellant thrusters, valves, and pressure components
  • Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
  • Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
  • Perform on-orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
  • Perform mission specific analysis and risk assessments an communicate to program stakeholders
  • Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
  • 3+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
  • Prior experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
  • Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
  • Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection
  • Hands-on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
  • Ability to operate complex test systems including vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
  • Prior experience working in lead roles on ground test or flight propulsion systems
  • Prior experience working with in-space propulsion systems including support of preflight mission analysis and on-orbit mission operations
  • Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
  • Familiarity with a fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT, GFSSP or similar
  • Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment

Additional Requirements:
  • Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Apply