Propulsion Systems Engineer Jobs
Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, defense, and space exploration, covering specializations in rocket propulsion, thermal management, and combustion systems, from early-career engineers to principal and staff-level roles. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 78+ Propulsion Systems Engineer jobs
Date: Nov 13, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112 Cape Canaveral, FL, US, 32925
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2448
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
- This engineering function provides engineering design, systems integration, subcontract management, product technical support and anomaly resolution for Propulsion ground fluids systems (cryogenic, non-cryogenic, hydraulics and pneumatics).
- Develops system and component designs and requirements to satisfy overall propulsion systems requirements.
- The position requires mechanical design capability as well as understanding dynamic, structural and fluids analysis concepts.
- Must have the capability to perform system integration and perform system level trade studies to optimize designs for manufacturing, producibility, safety, and performance.
- Generates engineering drawings as well as assembly and testing requirements.
- Provides direct support to design team, suppliers, the factory, and the launch site to ensure production schedules are met, resolve anomalies, and streamline operations to improve efficiency.
- When anomalies occur, supports causal analysis that leads to effective resolution and corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
- Reviews the as-built product (hardware and associated software) and product test data to verify that the final product configuration and performance meets requirements and is ready for test and/or flight. Develops design improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve vehicle performance.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- This position requires a minimum of 4 years' related work experience and a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an accredited university/college. A Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering is highly desired.
- Ability to work independently to determine and develop solutions to a wide range of engineering problems.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Builds trust with teammates, can prioritize and execute tasks effectively for self that are aligned to program plans, and has the ability to respectfully give and receive constructive criticism.
- Must have the capability to perform system design and integration to meet requirements for manufacturing, producibility, safety, and performance.
- Desire to work with technical teams in design integration, activation, and sustaining engineering support of Cryogenic, Pneumatic and Hydraulics Fluid systems.
- Ability to perform pre-launch walkdowns and console support. May include off-shift work to support launch schedules. On occasion, must be able to walk for multiple hours a day while going up/down ladders and stairs.
- Work may be performed at company or vendor facilities that require safety training and strict adherence to safety policies. Must be able to complete training for and maintain certification for occasional work within confined spaces, at heights, within clean room environments, in areas with loud noises, and within areas that require control of foreign object debris. Hazards may also include working with systems that store or transfer high pressure gases or liquids, cryogenic fluids, or other fuels, oxidizers, or inert commodities.
- Must be available for periodic travel to the other ULA sites or vendors. Must possess a valid driver's license to drive between work locations on a military base where public transportation is not available.
- As a condition of employment, you must be able to obtain and thereafter maintain a favorable National Agency Check Inquiry (NAC-I) in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-501 entitled Personnel Security Program Management, or an equivalent approval, so that you have continuous unescorted access to all ULA work locations (including controlled/restricted areas) to perform your assigned work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Desire to work with technical teams in design integration, activation, and sustaining engineering support of Cryogenic, Pneumatic and Hydraulics Fluid systems.
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral only): $104,087.00 - $173,479.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver
Date: Nov 13, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112 Cape Canaveral, FL, US, 32925
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2448
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
- This engineering function provides engineering design, systems integration, subcontract management, product technical support and anomaly resolution for Propulsion ground fluids systems (cryogenic, non-cryogenic, hydraulics and pneumatics).
- Develops system and component designs and requirements to satisfy overall propulsion systems requirements.
- The position requires mechanical design capability as well as understanding dynamic, structural and fluids analysis concepts.
- Must have the capability to perform system integration and perform system level trade studies to optimize designs for manufacturing, producibility, safety, and performance.
- Generates engineering drawings as well as assembly and testing requirements.
- Provides direct support to design team, suppliers, the factory, and the launch site to ensure production schedules are met, resolve anomalies, and streamline operations to improve efficiency.
- When anomalies occur, supports causal analysis that leads to effective resolution and corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
- Reviews the as-built product (hardware and associated software) and product test data to verify that the final product configuration and performance meets requirements and is ready for test and/or flight. Develops design improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve vehicle performance.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- This position requires a minimum of 4 years' related work experience and a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an accredited university/college. A Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering is highly desired.
- Ability to work independently to determine and develop solutions to a wide range of engineering problems.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Builds trust with teammates, can prioritize and execute tasks effectively for self that are aligned to program plans, and has the ability to respectfully give and receive constructive criticism.
- Must have the capability to perform system design and integration to meet requirements for manufacturing, producibility, safety, and performance.
- Desire to work with technical teams in design integration, activation, and sustaining engineering support of Cryogenic, Pneumatic and Hydraulics Fluid systems.
- Ability to perform pre-launch walkdowns and console support. May include off-shift work to support launch schedules. On occasion, must be able to walk for multiple hours a day while going up/down ladders and stairs.
- Work may be performed at company or vendor facilities that require safety training and strict adherence to safety policies. Must be able to complete training for and maintain certification for occasional work within confined spaces, at heights, within clean room environments, in areas with loud noises, and within areas that require control of foreign object debris. Hazards may also include working with systems that store or transfer high pressure gases or liquids, cryogenic fluids, or other fuels, oxidizers, or inert commodities.
- Must be available for periodic travel to the other ULA sites or vendors. Must possess a valid driver's license to drive between work locations on a military base where public transportation is not available.
- As a condition of employment, you must be able to obtain and thereafter maintain a favorable National Agency Check Inquiry (NAC-I) in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-501 entitled Personnel Security Program Management, or an equivalent approval, so that you have continuous unescorted access to all ULA work locations (including controlled/restricted areas) to perform your assigned work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Desire to work with technical teams in design integration, activation, and sustaining engineering support of Cryogenic, Pneumatic and Hydraulics Fluid systems.
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral only): $104,087.00 - $173,479.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver
Propulsion Systems Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in propulsion systems engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering required
- Experience with rocket propulsion system design, analysis, or testing
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or propulsion performance codes such as CEA
- Familiarity with CFD tools and thermal or combustion analysis methods
- Active or eligible security clearance for defense and government contractor roles
- Knowledge of system-level requirements flow-down and propulsion subsystem integration
Tips for Your Propulsion Systems Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to propulsion sub-discipline
Aerospace employers distinguish sharply between liquid propellant, solid propellant, and electric propulsion experience. Lead each resume version with the sub-discipline that matches the posting, then list the specific propellants, thrust classes, and test facilities you have worked with.
Highlight test experience and hardware ownership
Many propulsion roles are design-and-test combined. If you have led hotfire tests, run cold-flow experiments, or owned hardware from PDR through acceptance testing, call that out explicitly. Hiring teams weigh hands-on test time heavily when narrowing candidates.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists propulsion systems engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
List your modeling and simulation tools precisely
Generic phrases like 'CFD experience' rarely pass initial screening. Name the actual tools: CEA, RocketCEM, Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB, or TDK. If you have written or validated in-house performance codes, describe the physics they model and the accuracy they achieved.
Prepare a systems-level case for the technical interview
Propulsion interviews frequently include a trade study walkthrough. Practice articulating why you selected a propellant combination, nozzle geometry, or cooling scheme over alternatives, since interviewers want to see your reasoning process, not just your conclusion.
Negotiate against clearance-adjusted compensation
Defense propulsion roles often carry a security clearance requirement that affects the total offer. Before negotiating, research the clearance level required and how clearance-adjusted compensation typically differs from unclassified roles at the same title and level in your target location.
Propulsion Systems Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most propulsion systems engineers?
The companies hiring the most propulsion systems engineers right now include Stellantis, Blue Origin, and SpaceX, with the largest share of openings in California, Colorado, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Defense primes, launch vehicle startups, and government-adjacent contractors tend to post the highest volumes consistently.
How many propulsion systems engineer jobs are remote?
About 17% of propulsion systems engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of hardware testing and integration work. Analysis-heavy sub-roles such as performance modeling, thermodynamic simulation, and systems requirements work are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a propulsion systems engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering, then focus coursework on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion. Pursue internships or co-ops at aerospace companies or national labs where you can touch real hardware. Build proficiency in propulsion analysis codes and CFD tools, and consider a master's degree if you want to specialize in advanced propulsion cycles or electric propulsion systems.
How do you get a propulsion systems engineer job with little experience?
Focus your applications on entry-level or rotational engineering programs at defense contractors and aerospace companies, where structured training programs are common. Document any senior design projects, university rocket team work, or independent combustion or nozzle modeling you have done. Demonstrating that you can run a performance analysis in CEA or replicate a published thrust curve shows initiative that employers weigh against limited professional experience.
What does the propulsion systems engineer interview process look like?
Most processes start with a recruiter screen followed by a technical phone interview covering thermodynamics, Isp calculations, or nozzle theory. A panel interview typically follows, often including a take-home or live trade study exercise where you justify a propulsion system choice. Final rounds may include a site visit with a hardware or test team walk-through, particularly at companies with active propellant handling facilities.
Where can I find and apply to propulsion systems engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to propulsion systems engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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