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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

This role offers the opportunity to design and manage a diverse portfolio of projects nationwide ... Company Description LVI Associates exists to enable exceptional careers around the world; we ...

... engineering environment. * Technical or vocational program completion in drafting/design is required; an associate degree (AA/AS) in a related field is preferred. * Advanced, hands-on expertise in ...

Civil Design Tech III

Denver, CO · On-site

$44 - $67.42/hr

... engineering environment. * Technical or vocational program completion in drafting/design is required; an associate degree (AA/AS) in a related field is preferred. * Advanced, hands-on expertise in ...

... engineering environment. * Technical or vocational program completion in drafting/design is required; an associate degree (AA/AS) in a related field is preferred. * Advanced, hands-on expertise in ...

Principal CAD Designer

Westminster, CO

$27.25 - $37.50/hr

Associate's degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred * 7+ years of progressive CAD design and drafting ...

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking an Interior Design Associate I to join our team in Denver ... programming, concept development, interior finish material selection, furniture, fixtures and ...

Principal CAD Designer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$46.20 - $55.58/hr

Associate's degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred * 7+ years of progressive CAD design and drafting ...

Principal CAD Designer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$27.25 - $37.50/hr

Associate's degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred * 7+ years of progressive CAD design and drafting ...

Interior Design Associate I

Denver, CO · On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

RS&H is currently seeking an Interior Design Associate I to join our team in Denver, CO . This ... programming, concept development, interior finish material selection, furniture, fixtures and ...

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Associate Design Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$43.6K

$86.9K

$138.8K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Colorado is $86,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $99,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssociate Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supporting senior engineersLead or independent projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more complex tasks

The Associate Design Engineer typically holds an entry-level position supporting design tasks, while the Design Engineer has more experience and responsibility in leading projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Design Engineer often has additional certifications and a broader scope of work.

What is an associate design engineer?

An associate design engineer is an entry-level engineering professional involved in designing products, systems, or components under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically use CAD software, have a foundational understanding of engineering principles, and may hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. This role often involves collaboration, technical documentation, and supporting design development processes.

What are Associate Design Engineers?

Associate Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the development, planning, and creation of new products or systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to drafting designs, creating prototypes, and conducting tests to ensure functionality and quality. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, using CAD software, and collaborating with other departments to ensure design specifications are met. This role provides foundational experience for a career in engineering design.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Design Engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new design software, understanding project specifications, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity of projects or the pace of deliverables. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should take advantage of mentorship opportunities, actively seek feedback, and participate in collaborative meetings to build confidence and technical proficiency. Regularly reviewing documentation and engaging with more experienced colleagues can also help accelerate learning and integration into the team.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with roles requiring advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, especially in industries with high demand for technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, CAD design, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit) and knowledge of relevant codes or certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, efficient designs and collaborating effectively with teams to deliver successful engineering projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Associate Structural Engineer - Solar

Associate Structural Engineer - Solar

Valmont Industries Inc.

Denver, CO • Hybrid

$71K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Valmont Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

3827 Steele St. Denver Colorado 80205

Why Valmont
 

We’re Here to Move the World Forward.

Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better.

Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.

Join our team as an Associate Structural Design Engineer specializing in solar racking and related products. In this role, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers to execute calculations, analysis, testing, and documentation necessary for the design of solar racking systems. With matrix connections to other structural engineers across our solar team and wider Valmont, you'll play a pivotal role in technical design review meetings, providing valuable insights and recommendations.

Key responsibilities include performing structural design calculations in compliance with local building codes for large photovoltaic power plants, utilizing Structural Analysis software and other tools for engineering work spanning structural design, finite element analysis, optimization, fatigue analysis, and more. You'll be instrumental in producing design documentation for customer qualification and regulatory approval, crafting engineering calculation templates, and reviewing CAD construction drawings.

This position, reporting to theEngineering Supervisor, demands up to 5% travel (domestic and international), with potential extended stays in Omaha or Denver initially for training purposes. While offering a hybrid schedule, the role requires office presence (Omaha or Denver) for 2-3 days per week, ensuring seamless collaboration and support to meet our customers' evolving needs. Join us in driving innovation and excellence in the solar industry!

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Structural, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or related field, with up to 2 years of structural experience
  • Technical competence in structural or mechanical engineering
  • Basic computer programming skills (VBA, Matlab, etc.)
  • Basic familiarity with SolidWorks (or similar) and AutoCAD
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience with Solar Racking Structures, especially solar trackers
  • Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Structural engineering
  • Proficiency in designing hot rolled and cold formed steel structures.
  • Knowledgeable about US building code requirements (ASCE 7, IBC, AISC, AISI, ACI)
  • Experience in SAP or ETABs for modal and non-linear analyses
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis using software like ANSYS, Abaqus, etc
  • Experience with global building codes interpretation, notably Brazil (NBR), Europe (Eurocodes), Italy (NTC)
  • Familiarity with design standards and test protocols in the solar industry, including UL 1703, UL 2703, UL 3703, IEC 62817, and SEAOC PV-2

The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in Colorado is $71,600 -$111,900. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Valmont Industries considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. The position will be posted until filled.

LI-Hybrid

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

  • Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)

  • 401k retirement plan with company match

  • Paid time off

  • Employer paid life insurance

  • Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave

  • Work Life Support

  • Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year

  • Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.


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