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What is a propulsion systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a propulsion systems engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $49.1 an hour? That's $102,136 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 3,700 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a propulsion systems engineer?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Be open to new experiences. Find a good mentor. Become a valued employee. Always remember that you are designing something for someone.
ScorePropulsion Systems EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $102,136

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.30%

Asian 10.95%

Black or African American 4.19%

Hispanic or Latino 11.09%

Unknown 4.45%

White 69.02%

Gender

female 10.00%

male 90.00%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a propulsion systems engineer

  1. Explore propulsion systems engineer education requirements

    Most common propulsion systems engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    75.0 %

    Master's

    14.7 %

    Associate

    10.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific propulsion systems engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    MATLAB33.50%
    Engine Performance10.62%
    DOD9.27%
    Technical Support7.15%
    NASA6.19%
  3. Complete relevant propulsion systems engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New propulsion systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a propulsion systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real propulsion systems engineer resumes.
  4. Research propulsion systems engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Develop Perl scripts to automate object model and functional mapping into the application metadata and database.
    • Monitor OS optimization; test, evaluate product processing and accuracy performance within environment before operational implementation are performed with SCCM.
    • Introduce a new change process and documentation to improve speed and efficiency of problem identification during a rapid prototyping to manufacturing.
  5. Prepare your propulsion systems engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your propulsion systems engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a propulsion systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable propulsion systems engineer resume templates

    Build a professional propulsion systems engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your propulsion systems engineer resume.
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
    Propulsion Systems Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for propulsion systems engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a propulsion systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first propulsion systems engineer job

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Average propulsion systems engineer salary

The average propulsion systems engineer salary in the United States is $102,136 per year or $49 per hour. Propulsion systems engineer salaries range between $75,000 and $138,000 per year.

Average propulsion systems engineer salary
$102,136 Yearly
$49.10 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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