How to hire a propulsion systems engineer

How to hire a propulsion systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step propulsion systems engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a propulsion systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new propulsion systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The propulsion systems engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A propulsion systems engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, propulsion systems engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of propulsion systems engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Propulsion Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Propulsion Systems Engineer	Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.	$36-66
   Stress Analyst	A stress analyst is a type of aerospace engineer; they design, construct, and test aircraft. They may also work on missiles or spacecraft... Show more	$30-54
   Engineering Scientist	An engineering scientist is responsible for designing new technological systems through the evaluation of scientific methods and innovative solutions. Engineering scientists analyze technical parts and components, researching the current engineering trends to meet public demands and interests... Show more	$31-59

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • MATLAB
   • Engine Performance
   • DOD
   • Technical Support
   • NASA
   • FAA
   • CAD
   • Risk Assessments
   • Engineering Design
   • Fire Protection
   • Trade Studies
   • Engineering Problems
   • Control Systems
   • Mechanical Systems

   Check all skills

   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.

   More propulsion systems engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your propulsion systems engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A propulsion systems engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, propulsion systems engineers' average salary in iowa is 34% less than in rhode island.
   • Seniority. Entry-level propulsion systems engineers earn 46% less than senior-level propulsion systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A propulsion systems engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a propulsion systems engineer's salary.

   Average propulsion systems engineer salary

   $102,136yearly

   $49.10 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level propulsion systems engineer salary

   $75,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average propulsion systems engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$114,054	$55
   2	California	$112,769	$54
   3	District of Columbia	$111,998	$54
   4	Texas	$98,842	$48
   5	Colorado	$93,939	$45
   6	Michigan	$92,906	$45
   7	Minnesota	$92,002	$44
   8	Florida	$90,338	$43
   9	Connecticut	$89,380	$43
   10	Indiana	$81,145	$39
   11	Kansas	$79,820	$38

   Average propulsion systems engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Cirrus Aircraft	$109,603	$52.69	21
   2	Randstad North America, Inc.	$102,062	$49.07	17
   3	Nutcracker Therapeutics	$100,259	$48.20
   4	Electric	$99,979	$48.07	2
   5	Serco	$99,979	$48.07
   6	ABL Space Systems	$99,864	$48.01
   7	Rocket Lab	$99,812	$47.99	27
   8	FCA US LLC	$97,269	$46.76	7
   9	Bell Flight	$97,132	$46.70
   10	General Motors	$95,259	$45.80	418
   11	Textron	$94,243	$45.31	74
   12	Boeing	$93,922	$45.15	405
   13	AST	$93,469	$44.94
   14	Rivian	$92,790	$44.61	38
   15	Ford Motor	$92,478	$44.46	200
   16	BAE Systems	$91,230	$43.86	284
   17	SpaceX	$91,028	$43.76	166
   18	Serco	$89,534	$43.05	94
   19	Siemens	$88,770	$42.68	45
   20	Relativity	$88,407	$42.50	114

4. Writing a propulsion systems engineer job description

   A job description for a propulsion systems engineer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a propulsion systems engineer job description:

   Propulsion systems engineer job description example

   There are amazing things happening at Bell, which means we're looking to add to our world-class engineering. We're building the future as we support the Army with the modernization of their fleet in the Future Vertical Lift program. To do this we need hands-on, creative engineers with experience in the transportation, defense, robotics, software, or aerospace industry to create the future of Army Aviation: Bell's V-280 Valor. We're a winning team, solving complex problems, with purpose-driven work changing the way the world flies.
   Propulsion Systems Engineer (Multiple Openings):
   
   Bell is seeking team-oriented Propulsion Systems Engineers to join Bell's V-280 FLRAA (Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft) team. These positions will support the design, development, qualification, and flight test of the FLRAA aircraft. These positions will be part of a diverse team of engineers designing and analyzing propulsion systems, including gas turbine engines, FADECs, inlets, exhausts, heat exchangers, blowers, and fire protection systems.
   Position Responsibilities: Develop propulsion systems requirements, architectures, and interfaces. Coordinate across internal IPTs and with propulsion system suppliers in the development, integration and test of propulsion system components, such as gas turbine engines, FADECs, inlets, exhausts, heat exchangers, blowers, and fire protection systems. Develop requirements to define testing at the component, subsystem, systems integration lab, and flight test environments. Support all phases of development from initial proposal development through successful design, qualification, integration testing, flight test, and production Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams to define cross-functional interfaces and conduct air vehicle level trade studies as designs move from concept to production. Analyze and resolve integration issues as they arise. Provide regular status on system activities. We know our people are what make us who we are, which means we are here to support you. We have openings in our Engineering teams across many disciplines and levels, so you might be looking to start your career with Bell, or you might want to bring your many years of technical expertise to bear on the complex problems we have to solve. Either way, we want to talk to you about a career with us.
   
   If you're coming to us from outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we can't wait to tell you about the amazing advantages of living here. We're rapidly expanding and adding new team members, and we want our new crew to feel supported as they make their transition to Dallas-Fort Worth. Your start and move date should align with your life and needs - talk to our recruiters about how we can be flexible with your needs.
   
   Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering - or in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline - is required. Major in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Position Requirements: Experience at all levels will be considered. Positions at various Engineering levels will be offered, depending on experience. Specific experience with some or all of the following is preferred: 3D CAD design and model-based part definition 1-D engine cycle analysis using NPSS 1-D and 3-D CFD analysis of aircraft bays Qualification to standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-883, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464. Creation of subsystem and component specifications, interface control documents, and test plans/procedures Earned value management Familiarity with System Safety Assessments and Failure Hazard Analysis is preferred. Must have demonstrated critical thinking skills and comfort with ambiguity. Strong oral and written skills are required. Must have the ability to coordinate between engineering teams, suppliers and customers. #CJ Textron Relocation Assistance policy is in effect / applies for this position for candidates who qualify
   
   You have the unique opportunity to join a different kind of team; one that is focused on pushing boundaries, one that advocates for our customers by presenting them with the very best and by cultivating a culture of inclusivity and excitement for what's ahead.
   
   We're an award-winning organization with a legacy of reliability, precision, and exceeding expectations. Be on the forefront of flight technology and join our team! If you want to get the scoop on our culture, leadership and benefits directly from our employees, you can check out our verified employee reviews exclusively on our partner site Comparably at comparably.com/companies/bell.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right propulsion systems engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your propulsion systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit propulsion systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit propulsion systems engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new propulsion systems engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect propulsion systems engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new propulsion systems engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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