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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... spacecraft propulsion system * Work across teams to solve problems and meet goals in a highly ...

Apex

Electric Propulsion Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$121K - $165K/yr

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more ... About the Role Apex is seeking an Electric Propulsion Engineer to join our closely integrated team ...

Quantum Space

Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Rockville, MD

$110K - $220K/yr

Our high-delta-V spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions where propulsion capability and rapid execution matter. We are hiring a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to ...

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Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer information

See salary details

$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.
Senior Propulsion Engineer

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Astranis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$145K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe- large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
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

What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is just one component of Astranis's total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$145,000-$235,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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