Propulsion Technician

Propeller in front of a Royal Air Force plane

Building and testing engines and new hybrid and electric propulsion systems

How this role makes a difference

Propulsion is a force that pushes something forward. A propulsion system – like an engine in a car, boat, or space ship – combines mechanical power with a propulsor. The propulsor converts mechanical power into a forward moving force.

A propulsion technician helps to build, test, and assess the quality of propulsion systems in combustion engines, hybrid and electric propulsion technology, and in advanced control systems. You could be the technician who ensures thousands of vehicles move forward safely, quickly and efficiently.

The kind of work you’ll do

Carrying out checks on propulsion systems
Identifying issues and fixing problems
Setting up equipment and ancillary systems used for build and testing
Checking instrumentation is capturing high quality data
Confirming calibration activities and reading measurements
Implementing modifications
Producing modification and design proposals
Liaising with internal teams and external customers

Useful skills

Problem solving

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Precise

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Communicating complex ideas

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Critical thinking

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Technologically minded

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Instructing others

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An inquisitive mind and interest in discovering how things work.

A strong desire to find out the root cause of problems and fix and improve things.

A thorough approach to your work and great attention to detail when gathering, recording and analysing information.

The natural ability to communicate with a range of different people and explain complex things clearly.

An aptitude for listening closely, asking questions and implementing what you’ve learned.

The confidence to work with new equipment and create things on computers.

Skill at guiding other team members and helping them develop.

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- cars, trains or planes

- building, making and fixing things

- exploring problems and finding answers

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Average salary per year *

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Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

As you gain experience, you can take on more responsibility for managing bigger and more complex projects and teams of technicians and engineers.

There are opportunities to work in engineering consultancies, but you could also choose to become a freelancer, taking on contract work for a range of different projects and industries.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

A T-level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control after your GCSEs
An apprenticeship as a Propulsion Technician after finishing your T-level or A-levels

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Propulsion technicians play a critical role in the engineering and design of propulsion systems, typically for the automotive, marine, and power equipment sectors. However they can also support the development of new and alternative technologies for other applications, including manufacturing and assembly processes.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Propulsion Test Engineer
Propulsion Test Technician
Engine Build and Process Technician
Product Analysis and Verification Technician
Engine Test Technician