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Propulsion systems engineer vs aircraft engineer

The differences between propulsion systems engineers and aircraft 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 systems engineer and an aircraft engineer. Additionally, a propulsion systems engineer has an average salary of $102,136, which is higher than the $72,867 average annual salary of an aircraft engineer.

The top three skills for a propulsion systems engineer include MATLAB, engine performance and DOD. The most important skills for an aircraft engineer are DOD, aircraft systems, and CAD.

Propulsion systems engineer vs aircraft engineer overview

Propulsion Systems EngineerAircraft Engineer
Yearly salary$102,136$72,867
Hourly rate$49.10$35.03
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs112,8745,718
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Propulsion systems engineer vs aircraft engineer salary

Propulsion systems engineers and aircraft engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Propulsion Systems EngineerAircraft Engineer
Average salary$102,136$72,867
Salary rangeBetween $75,000 And $138,000Between $53,000 And $99,000
Highest paying CityEverett, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandCalifornia
Best paying companyCirrus AircraftJoby Aviation
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between propulsion systems engineer and aircraft engineer education

There are a few differences between a propulsion systems engineer and an aircraft engineer in terms of educational background:

Propulsion Systems EngineerAircraft Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorAerospace EngineeringAerospace Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Propulsion systems engineer vs aircraft engineer demographics

Here are the differences between propulsion systems engineers' and aircraft engineers' demographics:

Propulsion Systems EngineerAircraft Engineer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 90.0% Female, 10.0%Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.8% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between propulsion systems engineer and aircraft engineer duties and responsibilities

Propulsion systems engineer example 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.

Aircraft engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead the software development for multiple successful NASA and DOD small business innovative research (SBIR) grants.
  • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
  • Design the galleys of private jets using AutoCAD.
  • Develop flight data extraction and visualization software suite in MATLAB.
  • Verify compliance with FARs, aircraft specifications, and customer requests.
  • Complete equipment installations, wiring diagrams, and test fixtures using CATIA V4, V5 and CADEX applications.
  • Show more

Propulsion systems engineer vs aircraft engineer skills

Common propulsion systems engineer skills
  • MATLAB, 33%
  • Engine Performance, 11%
  • DOD, 9%
  • Technical Support, 7%
  • NASA, 6%
  • FAA, 6%
Common aircraft engineer skills
  • DOD, 21%
  • Aircraft Systems, 13%
  • CAD, 11%
  • Airframe, 10%
  • Aircraft Maintenance, 8%
  • Landing Gear, 6%

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