Propulsion engineer jobs in 2026: where to find them
$80K–$200K+
Salary Range
Growing
Job Market
ME/AE Degree
Background
Propulsion engineering is experiencing a hiring surge driven by new rocket programs (Starship, New Glenn, Neutron), satellite constellations requiring electric propulsion, and military hypersonics development.
Who's hiring propulsion engineers
| Company | Programs | Location | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpaceX | Raptor, Merlin, Draco | Hawthorne CA, McGregor TX | $110K–$200K+ |
| Blue Origin | BE-4, BE-3U | Kent WA, Huntsville AL | $100K–$180K |
| Rocket Lab | Rutherford, Archimedes | Long Beach CA | $90K–$160K |
| Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris) | RS-25, RL10, AR1 | Canoga Park CA, Stennis MS | $85K–$155K |
| Northrop Grumman | Solid motors, GEM-63 | Promontory UT, Chandler AZ | $80K–$140K |
| NASA | SLS, in-space propulsion | MSFC, Glenn, Stennis | $58K–$170K (GS) |
| Relativity Space | Aeon engines | Long Beach CA | $100K–$175K |
| Ursa Major | Hadley, Arroway engines | Berthoud CO | $90K–$150K |
Types of propulsion work
| Type | What It Is | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid rocket | Turbopump-fed and pressure-fed engines | Combustion, turbomachinery, injector design |
| Solid rocket | Tactical missiles, launch boosters | Propellant chemistry, grain design, thermal |
| Electric propulsion | Ion, Hall-effect, electrospray thrusters | Plasma physics, power systems |
| Hypersonic | Scramjets, ramjets | High-speed aerothermodynamics |
How to break in
Most propulsion engineers have an MS or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering with thesis work in combustion, fluid dynamics, or thermodynamics. Practical experience (rocket clubs, student competitions) is valued highly — SpaceX and Rocket Lab specifically look for hands-on build experience.
For salary details, see our propulsion engineer salary guide. Browse propulsion engineering positions on Zero G Talent.
