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Aerospace Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Propulsion Development Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science * 2+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field * Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer ...

Impulsespace

$135 - $185/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a comparable field. * Experience working in fast-paced, startup environment * Demonstrated technical project leadership over propulsion development ...

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How much do aerospace propulsion jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace propulsion in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace propulsion?

An Aerospace Propulsion job involves the design, development, maintenance, and testing of engines and propulsion systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. Professionals in this field work with jet engines, rocket motors, and other propulsion technologies to ensure efficiency, safety, and performance. They may be responsible for troubleshooting engine issues, improving fuel efficiency, and integrating advanced materials and technologies. Aerospace propulsion specialists are employed by defense organizations, aerospace manufacturers, and government agencies. Their work is critical to advancing air and space travel.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an aerospace propulsion professional?

Aerospace Propulsion professionals generally spend their days designing, analyzing, and testing propulsion systems such as jet engines, rockets, or turbines. This involves collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams including systems engineers, test technicians, and quality assurance specialists to ensure performance and safety standards are met. You may also be involved in troubleshooting existing propulsion units, updating technical documentation, and supporting research into new engine designs or materials. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies are a routine part of this dynamic and innovative role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aerospace propulsion position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Aerospace Propulsion, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with propulsion modeling software, CAD tools, and industry certifications such as EIT or PE is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of propulsion systems vital to air and space travel.

How much do aerospace propulsion technicians make?

Aerospace propulsion technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They work with jet engines, rocket propulsion systems, and related components, often requiring specialized training and adherence to safety standards.

Is aerospace propulsion a good job?

Aerospace propulsion is a specialized engineering field focused on designing and maintaining jet engines and rocket propulsion systems. It offers opportunities for high-tech work, requires strong technical skills, and often involves collaboration in research and development environments. Job prospects depend on industry demand, advanced education, and certifications such as a professional engineering license.

What does aerospace propulsion do?

Aerospace propulsion involves designing and developing engines that generate thrust to power aircraft and spacecraft. Propulsion engineers work with jet engines, rocket engines, and related systems, often using tools like CAD software and testing facilities to ensure safety and efficiency in aerospace vehicles.
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aerospace propulsion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Propulsion job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,862 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Chief Engineer - Aerospace and Defense - LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Suffield, CT • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Chief Engineer - Aerospace and Defense - LiquidPiston
Location: Suffield, CT | Onsite, 5 days per week
About LiquidPiston:
LiquidPiston is an advanced propulsion technology company developing compact, high-efficiency engine and power system solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. Built around a patented rotary engine architecture, LiquidPiston is challenging conventional approaches to propulsion by delivering smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient systems for next-generation platforms.This is an opportunity to join a team working on technology with the potential to fundamentally change how power is delivered in aerospace and defense applications.
Position Summary:
LiquidPiston is seeking a Chief Engineer to provide strategic and technical leadership across the design, development, integration, and commercialization of advanced propulsion systems for aerospace and defense applications.
This is a highly influential technical leadership role for an engineer who wants to shape the technology, guide multidisciplinary teams, and take complex propulsion systems from concept through flight-ready hardware and commercialization. The Chief Engineer will oversee and influence engineering efforts spanning mechanical, electrical, systems, testing, and other disciplines to ensure the final product meets demanding performance, reliability, safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Working closely with executive leadership, government agencies, defense customers, and commercial partners, the Chief Engineer will help define technical direction, make critical engineering decisions, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure development programs remain aligned with both customer needs and business objectives.
The ideal candidate is a technically strong and decisive engineering leader who can operate at both the systems level and the engineering-detail level - someone who can set the technical vision while also challenging assumptions, asking the right questions, and driving a team toward solutions.
Why This Role:
At LiquidPiston, the Chief Engineer won't simply be managing an established product line. You'll have the opportunity to influence the development of a fundamentally different propulsion architecture and help determine where the technology goes next. For the right engineer, this is a chance to have a meaningful technical impact on advanced aerospace and defense systems while working alongside a highly entrepreneurial engineering team.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the technical vision, architecture, and engineering execution for aerospace propulsion programs.
  • Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, power systems, and testing.
  • Define system requirements, technical roadmaps, and development milestones for advanced propulsion solutions.
  • Oversee the complete product lifecycle from concept development to prototyping, validation, certification support, manufacturing, and field deployment.
  • Serve as the principal technical authority for customer engagements, government programs, and strategic partnerships.
  • Drive the sizing, development and integration of advanced propulsion systems for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL), hybrid-electric aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
  • Direct the design, testing, and validation of propulsion solutions optimized for hover, transition, and forward-flight performance.
  • Integrate propulsion systems with flight controls, power management, avionics, and aircraft systems to achieve mission, performance, and reliability objectives.
  • Guide engine integration for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), defense aviation, and next-generation aerospace platforms.
  • Establish engineering standards, design review processes, risk management practices, and configuration control.
  • Lead trade studies, system performance analyses, failure investigations, and continuous product improvements.
  • Collaborate with business development teams to identify new market opportunities and support proposal development for government and commercial contracts.
  • Manage relationships with suppliers, research institutions, defense organizations, aircraft manufacturers, and aerospace partners.
  • Mentor engineering leaders while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, quality, and safety standards.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within aerospace, propulsion, defense, or advanced energy systems.
  • Extensive experience developing propulsion systems for eVTOL, hybrid-electric aircraft, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • Strong understanding of propulsion integration with airframe, flight controls, avionics, and power management systems.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations from concept through commercialization.
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering, design verification, validation, flight testing, and product certification processes.
  • Experience managing government-funded R&D programs, including the Department of Defense and related agencies.
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
  • Strong project management, and organizational leadership skills.
Benefits & Perks:
  • PTO: We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.
  • Equity Participation: Employes may receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
  • 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5% after 1 year of employment.
  • Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.
Our Culture:
At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk - and we're not afraid to fail as we move forward.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

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