Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Colorado are concentrated in aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems, with consistent demand from entry-level CAD roles through senior systems engineers. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder are the primary hiring markets, anchored by employers like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Ball Aerospace that maintain large engineering workforces in the state. Product development, structural analysis, and electromechanical systems are among the most in-demand specialties across these sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Mechanical Design Engineer jobs
Mechanical Design Engineer 2
Date: Nov 9, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2456
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
The Vulcan Development team is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer 2 to support development of the Centaur V on SLS upper stage. The responsibilities for the individual in this position will include:
- Contribute to design and architectural trade evaluations by generating options, assessing impacts, and preparing technical summaries for review
- Design and develop mechanical and structural components for the Centaur V upper stage, ensuring designs align with vehicle‑level and subsystem requirements
- Support program planning and execution by maintaining status of assigned tasks, identifying risks, and providing clear technical inputs
- Prepare engineering content for major program reviews, by developing models, drawings, analysis summaries, and verification documentation
- Support requirement development and participate in fishbone analyses to clarify design intent, inform verification plans, and strengthen root‑cause evaluation frameworks
- Participate in development and qualification test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation support, data review, and post‑test documentation
- Create and update CAD models, detailed drawings, and GD&T for mechanical hardware throughout the design lifecycle
- Perform first‑order assessments of mechanical designs to enable efficient integration with analysis teams and improve overall engineering workflow efficiency
- Assist in troubleshooting hardware issues, supporting non‑conformance dispositions, and participating in root‑cause investigations
- Interface with manufacturing, quality, and technicians to support hardware build, integration, and test activities
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful integration of mechanical designs within the broader upper‑stage architecture
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in design, documentation, and producibility
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 2 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field from an accredited college or university
- Familiarity with structural and mechanical system design, development, and qualification
- Experience performing CAD modeling and engineering drawing creation
- Demonstrated capability in executing engineering drawing package release
- Strong GD&T interpretation and application skills
- Ability to execute assigned engineering tasks with growing independence and effective time management
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and applicable industry or government standards
- Understanding of aerospace hardware and system level integration and test processes
- Understanding of aerospace hardware production and manufacturing operations
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- Experience with NX and Teamcenter in a Model Based Engineering (MBE) environment
- Understanding of stress analysis methodologies and tools
- Strong understanding of design for producibility of machined and formed parts
- Experience integrating with multi-disciplinary teams and demonstrated technical coordination skills
- Technical understanding of composite structural design and tooling solutions
- Experience performing sub-system and vehicle walkdown inspections
- Utilization of agile processes in a development program environment
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $81,695.00 - $136,159.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver
Mechanical Design Engineer 2
Date: Nov 9, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2456
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
The Vulcan Development team is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer 2 to support development of the Centaur V on SLS upper stage. The responsibilities for the individual in this position will include:
- Contribute to design and architectural trade evaluations by generating options, assessing impacts, and preparing technical summaries for review
- Design and develop mechanical and structural components for the Centaur V upper stage, ensuring designs align with vehicle‑level and subsystem requirements
- Support program planning and execution by maintaining status of assigned tasks, identifying risks, and providing clear technical inputs
- Prepare engineering content for major program reviews, by developing models, drawings, analysis summaries, and verification documentation
- Support requirement development and participate in fishbone analyses to clarify design intent, inform verification plans, and strengthen root‑cause evaluation frameworks
- Participate in development and qualification test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation support, data review, and post‑test documentation
- Create and update CAD models, detailed drawings, and GD&T for mechanical hardware throughout the design lifecycle
- Perform first‑order assessments of mechanical designs to enable efficient integration with analysis teams and improve overall engineering workflow efficiency
- Assist in troubleshooting hardware issues, supporting non‑conformance dispositions, and participating in root‑cause investigations
- Interface with manufacturing, quality, and technicians to support hardware build, integration, and test activities
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful integration of mechanical designs within the broader upper‑stage architecture
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in design, documentation, and producibility
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 2 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field from an accredited college or university
- Familiarity with structural and mechanical system design, development, and qualification
- Experience performing CAD modeling and engineering drawing creation
- Demonstrated capability in executing engineering drawing package release
- Strong GD&T interpretation and application skills
- Ability to execute assigned engineering tasks with growing independence and effective time management
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and applicable industry or government standards
- Understanding of aerospace hardware and system level integration and test processes
- Understanding of aerospace hardware production and manufacturing operations
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- Experience with NX and Teamcenter in a Model Based Engineering (MBE) environment
- Understanding of stress analysis methodologies and tools
- Strong understanding of design for producibility of machined and formed parts
- Experience integrating with multi-disciplinary teams and demonstrated technical coordination skills
- Technical understanding of composite structural design and tooling solutions
- Experience performing sub-system and vehicle walkdown inspections
- Utilization of agile processes in a development program environment
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $81,695.00 - $136,159.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver
See All 31 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado
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Find JobsMechanical Design Engineer Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Design Engineer Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Telecommunications
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical design engineer jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo for product design
- Experience with GD&T, engineering drawings, and design-for-manufacture principles
- Familiarity with aerospace or defense design standards and configuration management processes
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles
- Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS or Nastran for structural and thermal analysis
Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical design engineer in Colorado?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard starting point for mechanical design engineer roles in Colorado. While a state-issued Professional Engineer license is not required for most private-sector design positions, engineers pursuing licensed work or government contracts can obtain PE licensure through the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors. Many Colorado employers, particularly in aerospace and defense, also look for candidates with FE exam credentials or active security clearance eligibility.
How much do mechanical design engineers make in Colorado?
Mechanical design engineers in Colorado earn a median of about $124,430 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,100 for the lowest 10% to over $170,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire mechanical design engineers in Colorado?
Companies currently hiring mechanical design engineers in Colorado include Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Colorado's concentration of aerospace primes and advanced manufacturing firms means mechanical design openings are spread across both large defense contractors and specialized engineering firms along the Front Range.
Which Colorado cities have the most mechanical design engineer jobs?
Littleton, Centennial, and Denver account for the largest share of mechanical design engineer openings in Colorado. Denver anchors the market through its aerospace and energy sectors, Colorado Springs draws heavily from defense contractors and Space Force installations, and Boulder's technology and scientific instrument companies generate consistent openings for precision and electromechanical design roles.
Are there remote mechanical design engineer jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they're rare. About 40% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The work most likely to be done remotely involves CAD modeling, design reviews, and documentation tasks, while prototyping, lab testing, and hardware integration typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a mechanical design engineer in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate programs at Colorado's large aerospace and defense employers, where Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Ball Aerospace run structured rotational or associate engineer programs for candidates without professional experience. Internship experience with a Colorado employer carries significant weight and often converts to full-time offers. Adjacent roles such as manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, or CAD technician are common lateral moves that build the design credentials employers expect. Completing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early strengthens a new-grad application and signals professional seriousness.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical design engineer jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to mechanical design engineer jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state's aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly from the listing.
See All 31 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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