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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associates Systems LLC

Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Propulsion Engineer US Citizen / Permanent Resident Aerospace/Spacecraft Experience Onsite in Houston Texas - No remote is available * Serve as the Chemical Propulsion Refueling Lead acting as the ...

Momentus Space LLC

Propulsion Engineer

San Jose, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer with a strong hands-on background in spacecraft hardware and propulsion system development. This hybrid role blends mechanical design, propulsion ...

Momentus Space LLC

Propulsion Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer with a strong hands-on background in spacecraft hardware and propulsion system development. This hybrid role blends mechanical design, propulsion ...

Momentus Space LLC

Propulsion Engineer

San Jose, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Propulsion Engineer with a strong hands-on background in spacecraft hardware and propulsion system development. This hybrid role blends mechanical design, propulsion ...

Maxar

Spacecraft Propulsion Technician

Palo Alto, CA

$27.60 - $46/hr

Assemble and integrate spacecraft propulsion components (tanks, prop lines, valves, regulators ... Troubleshoot build/test issues with engineering and quality, perform rework per approved procedures ...

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer II

Berthoud, CO

$92K - $115K/yr

Ownership of new and existing spacecraft propulsion system components through flight with a focus ... Bachelor's degree in engineering * 2+ years of relevant hardware design and ownership experience

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer II

Berthoud, CO

$92K - $115K/yr

Ownership of new and existing spacecraft propulsion system components through flight with a focus ... Bachelor's degree in engineering * 2+ years of relevant hardware design and ownership experience

Ursa Major

Propulsion Engineer II

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$92K - $115K/yr

Ownership of new and existing spacecraft propulsion system components through flight with a focus ... Bachelor's degree in engineering * 2+ years of relevant hardware design and ownership experience

Firefly Aerospace

Director, Propulsion Engineering

TX · On-site

The scope of the propulsion engineering department spans launch vehicle engines, spacecraft propulsion, vehicle fluid systems, valve design, and propulsion analysis teams. Responsibilities * Set and ...

Tuskegee University

Support integration of propulsion systems with launch vehicles and spacecraft * Collaborate with ... Ensure compliance with NASA engineering standards, safety protocols, and quality assurance ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

... fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first ... Vast is looking for a Propulsion Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Haven-1 propulsion ...

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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do spacecraft propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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 in the Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 42% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 50% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer

Associates Systems LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Propulsion Engineer
US Citizen / Permanent Resident
Aerospace/Spacecraft Experience
Onsite in Houston Texas - No remote is available
  • Serve as the Chemical Propulsion Refueling Lead acting as the cross-project point of contact for the Gateway Integrated Refueling Circuit which implements the Refueling architecture.
  • Lead the Gateway Refueling Working Group, involving planning agenda topics related to current, and forward risks, issues, and challenges.
  • Develop a detailed understanding of the Gateway Refueling Requirements Document and apply working knowledge to lead domestic and international partners in technical discussions on requirement compliance.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the Gateway Refueling Concept of Operations.
  • Assist the System Manager in the development of Flight Rules and operational constraints related to Flight operations of the Gateway Station.
  • Communicate mission baseline, mission risk, and issues to mission management teams, across a variety of NASA and commercial partnership leadership.
  • Travel to commercial partners facilities, both domestic and international, for insight/oversight of critical operations and other mission essential technical meetings.
  • Lead presentations and discussions with other discipline sub-systems and working groups related to chemical propulsion refueling needs and designs.

Qualification
  • Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5-10 years of related experience.
  • Spacecraft propulsion experience with a focus on fluid and mechanical aspects
  • Experience in the design, assembly, testing, certification, and operation of space propulsion systems and components
  • Experience coordinating space propulsion systems requirements verification and validation between multiple organizations
  • Basic knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the field, such as mechanical system design, engineering drawings and sketches, material selection, testing, and office software
  • Excellent organizational skills, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to coordinate support from a wide range of technical disciplines
  • Confident in knowledge and experience, and able to discuss propulsion topics with subject matter experts
  • Experience with NASA JSC Flight Hardware Life Cycle, Certification, and Engineering processes
  • Knowledge and work experience in a Systems Engineering role in a NASA, DoD, or Aerospace environment
  • Experience with requirements management, verification and validation definition and execution, design trades, risk analysis, and system analysis of space hardware
  • Ability to prepare written documents and to verbally present at various high level meetings
    Requisition Preferences:
  • Familiar with JSC organizations, processes, and procedures
  • Experience with NASA JSC Flight Hardware Life Cycle, Certification, and Engineering processes
  • Experience with requirements management, verification and validation definition and execution, design trades, risk analysis, and system analysis of space hardware
  • Working knowledge of NASA, JSC, and ISS standard practices and requirements including safety, fault tolerance, and unique disciplines
  • Familiarity with NASA/JSC documentation databases and share point sites as well as typical systems engineering software products
  • Experience in technical or team leadership roles
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
  • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

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