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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Fort Collins, CO

Advanced Energy

Engineering Technician IV

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$65K - $105K/yr

AEIS) is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of highly engineered, precision power ... Associates Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline. COMPENSATION: As required by multiple state ...

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All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in Fort Collins, CO

Associate Design Engineer information

See Fort Collins, CO salary details

$41.1K

$81.8K

$130.7K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Fort Collins, CO is $81,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate design engineer?

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 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 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 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 can I do with an associate design engineer's degree?

An associate design engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles focused on designing, analyzing, and testing products or systems. Graduates can work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or product development, often using CAD software and engineering principles. Additional certifications or experience may be required for advanced positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO?

For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO are:

What cities near Fort Collins, CO are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fort Collins, CO with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:

Associate Design Engineer jobs near you

CAD Librarian / ECAD-MCAD Integration Specialist

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Location:Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience:A minimum of 5+ years of experience working in opto-mechanical system design and integration.
Minimum Education:Associate's Degree is required.
Compensation: $110,000-$150,000 depending on experience.

Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities - from semiconductor device through target identification - to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary:
CAD Librarianto bridge electrical and mechanical design by managingcomponentlibraries and documenting wire harnesses.You'lluseAltium Designerfor PCB and harness layout,SolidWorksfor 3D modeling, andAltiumCoDesignerto ensure seamless data synchronization and dimensional accuracy between the two environments.
All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at:https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.Please review this information before applying.

Responsibilities:
  • Harness & Systems Integration:Proficient inAltium Cable & Harnessdesign, wire list authoring, and connector pin mapping; expert at tracing engineering intent from schematic through 3D routing and BOM.
  • ECAD/MCAD Synchronization:Advanced use ofAltiumCoDesignerfor harness-to-3D conversion and bidirectional change management withSolidWorks(Model Based Design & Large Assembly Management).
  • Standards & Compliance:Deep knowledge ofIPC-7351, IPC-2221, IPC/WHMA-A-620, ASME Y14.5, andAS9100 / ISO 9001quality environments.
  • Data & Lifecycle Management:Experienced withSolidWorks PDM Professional, SharePoint, andGitversion control; focused on library governance and integration automation.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:Effective communicator across electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams; skilled at managing competing priorities in fast-paced contract environments.
  • Quality & Detail Orientation:Rigorous attention to detailregardingpin-level data accuracy and footprint dimensions across interconnected design environments.
Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • Bachelor'sdegree inelectrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in CAD library management, ECAD/MCAD design, or an integrated electrical/mechanical engineering data management role.
  • Expert-levelproficiencyin Altium Designer, including schematic capture, PCB layout,componentfootprint authoring (IPC-7351), andcomponentvault/PDM management.
  • Familiarity with GITLAB and/or Jira.
  • Demonstrated experience with Altium's cable and harness design environment, including wire list authoring, connector pin mapping, harness schematic documentation, and manufacturing output generation.
  • Proficiencywith AltiumCoDesignerfor ECAD/MCAD bidirectional data exchange, specifically the conversion of Altium harness designs into SolidWorks 3D harness models.
  • Expert-levelproficiencyin SolidWorks including parametric part and assembly modeling, drawing detailing, and SolidWorks PDM (Professional or Standard).
  • Strong working knowledge of PLM/PDM data structures: BOM management, item lifecycle, revision control, and engineering change workflows.
  • Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-7351, IPC-2221, IPC/WHMA-A-620), ASME Y14.5 GD&T, and MIL spec parts.
Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, industrial electronics, or high-reliability electromechanical product development environments.
  • CSWE (Certified SolidWorks Expert) or relevant SolidWorks certification.
  • Altium Certified Designer credential or equivalent Altium platform certification.
  • Knowledge of general wire harness construction and mechanical part types.
  • Understanding of ITAR/EAR data control requirements as applied to engineering data management systems.
    Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster:    Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources atHR@nlightdefense.com.
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

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