Propulsion engineer
Design, build and look after systems that help aircrafts move. You could build eco-friendly engines or produce greener fuel.
About the job
What it's like
Aim for the stars with a career as a propulsion engineer. Picture yourself working on the rocket engines used to take spacecraft into orbit. That’s what a day in the life could look like in this career.
Propulsion systems include engines, fuel, energy or anything that helps objects move or take flight. You'd design, build and look after these.
You might work in the aerospace industry helping planes fly around the world. Or you could dive into a role working on vehicles used in underwater expeditions. You could also tackle carbon emissions by developing greener propulsion systems. Anything that needs propulsion technology to move would be your area of expertise.
Your tasks might include:
designing and developing propulsion systems for vehicles or aircraft
testing and evaluating propulsion systems
working with other engineers, designers, and technicians to integrate the propulsion system
meeting safety and performance standards
looking after and fixing propulsion systems
staying up to date with the latest developments in propulsion technology
providing technical support and expertise to other team members
communicating updates and findings from the work you do
managing budgets and schedules for projects
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'd likely work 35 to 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. On some projects, you might work longer hours, or at irregular times to meet deadlines.
Environment
You'd work between different environments depending on the work you're carrying out. You'd spend time in the laboratory, an office and production and assembly sites like a factory.
Travel
You may have to travel to inspect or test vehicles or aircraft at different sites.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- propulsion
- coupling
- machinery design
- functional design
- pd 5500 standard
- heat transfer
- electrical machines
- control valves
- thermodynamics
- asme boiler and pressure vessel code (bpvc)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- working with numbers
- verbal communication
- understanding
- researching
- problem solving
- designing
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Engineering Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To work in this role, you must have a high standard of technical skills and knowledge. Studying towards qualifications at college or university is a great starting point. Employers will value qualifications in areas such as mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering.
A common route into the career is getting a degree in a relevant subject. Some roles will accept applicants who have a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND). You could also do an apprenticeship to build skills while getting experience on the job.
Apprenticeship
You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship. While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
Have a look at this Engineering apprenticeship on Apprenticeships.scot. It could set you up for further study or to get into a job where you can develop your skills.
If you’re 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
Apprenticeships.scot has options where you'll learn relevant engineering principles and skills. Here are some you might find helpful:
You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship. Check out these options:
College
Some jobs accept applicants with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND). You could go to college after school to get one of these qualifications.
There are many subjects where you can learn useful practices. Some cover engineering from a general perspective and other offer more specialised knowledge. You could study:
aircraft engineering
civil engineering
electrical engineering
engineering
engineering systems
mechanical engineering
Entry requirements will depend on the subject and the level you're studying. For HNC or HND courses, you'll likely need 1 or 2 Scottish Highers at Grade C. Courses value school qualifications in maths or physics.
Search for courses relevant to this role.
University
You could go to university and get a degree in engineering. Degrees in aerospace engineering will be particularly valuable. Some subjects you could study include:
aerospace systems
aircraft engineering
civil engineering
electrical engineering
engineering
mechanical engineering
The qualifications you need for degree courses will depend on the subject. You'd likely need either:
an HNC or HND in a relevant subject
4 Highers at BBBB or above
Courses value qualifications in maths, science and technology subjects.
Experience or qualifications which show knowledge of the industry will be helpful. For example, Skills For Work: Engineering or relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
You might be able to get volunteering experience in an engineering environment. This’ll help you build up the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a career in mechanical engineering.
Have a look for engineering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
It will help to join a professional engineering institution. The Engineering Council has a list of recognised bodies you can become a member of.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Propulsion engineer'
