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The differences between propulsion engineers and simulation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a propulsion engineer and a simulation engineer. Additionally, a propulsion engineer has an average salary of $98,475, which is higher than the $97,266 average annual salary of a simulation engineer.
The top three skills for a propulsion engineer include propulsion system, CAD and MATLAB. The most important skills for a simulation engineer are python, MATLAB, and simulink.
| Propulsion Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,475 | $97,266 |
| Hourly rate | $47.34 | $46.76 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 45,629 | 46,570 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
A simulation engineer is an engineering professional who uses technical expertise and knowledge of computer simulation technologies to test the performance, durability, and safety of engineering solutions. Simulation engineers must use a virtual environment when working on an incredibly intricate and expensive project such as a new helicopter, satellite, or submarine. They use computer programming languages such as C++ and Fortran to model simulated environment. Simulation engineers are also required to collaborate with the design and production teams so that they can accomplish a specific project.
Propulsion engineers and simulation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Propulsion Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,475 | $97,266 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $138,000 | Between $70,000 And $133,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a propulsion engineer and a simulation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Propulsion Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between propulsion engineers' and simulation engineers' demographics:
| Propulsion Engineer | Simulation Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |