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Industrial Design Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Boulder, CO · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

Key responsibilities for this role include designing and building prototypes in partnership with our elite Industrial Design team. You will collaborate with talented engineers and scientists across ...

Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Boulder, CO · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

You will work closely with many different groups, including Industrial Design, System PD, Hardware Engineering, Operations, Packaging, Reliability, and Software. The team is responsible for products ...

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Industrial Design information

See Colorado salary details

$49.9K

$136.7K

How much do industrial design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for industrial design in Colorado is $130,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $135,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is industrial design?

Industrial design is the professional practice of designing products, devices, objects, and services used by millions of people around the world every day. Industrial designers focus on both the appearance and functionality of a product, ensuring that it is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly, efficient, and manufacturable. Their work often involves collaborating with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring innovative concepts to life. Industrial designers contribute to a wide range of industries, including electronics, furniture, automotive, and consumer goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an industrial designer?

To thrive as an Industrial Designer, you need strong skills in design principles, 3D modeling, and an understanding of manufacturing processes, typically supported by a degree in industrial design or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or Rhino), sketching tools, and prototyping equipment is commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients. These abilities are crucial for translating ideas into functional, marketable products that meet user needs and business objectives.

How do industrial designers typically collaborate with engineers and marketing teams during a product’s development?

Industrial designers work closely with engineers to ensure that their concepts are both visually appealing and technically feasible, often participating in iterative reviews to refine prototypes. Collaboration with marketing teams is also common, as designers need to understand target user preferences and market trends to create products that resonate with consumers. Effective communication, openness to feedback, and flexibility in adapting designs are crucial skills in these cross-functional teams. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and helps bring well-rounded, user-friendly products to market.

What is the difference between Industrial Design vs Product Design?

AspectIndustrial DesignProduct Design
FocusDesign of physical products and their aestheticsDesign of both physical products and digital interfaces
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, studios, design firmsTech companies, design agencies, manufacturing
CredentialsDegree in industrial design or related fieldDegree in industrial design, product design, or related field
UsageCommonly used in manufacturing and physical product industriesUsed in both physical and digital product development

Industrial Design primarily focuses on creating the aesthetics and usability of physical products, while Product Design encompasses both physical and digital products, including user interfaces. Both roles require similar credentials and are often found in manufacturing and tech industries, but their scope and focus differ based on the product type.

Is industrial designer a good career?

Industrial designers create and develop concepts for products, focusing on aesthetics, usability, and manufacturing processes. The profession offers opportunities in various industries, with a typical requirement of a bachelor's degree in industrial design or related fields, and proficiency in design software like CAD. Job prospects depend on industry demand, creativity, and technical skills.

What do you do as an industrial designer?

An industrial designer develops concepts and designs for products, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. They use tools like CAD software, create prototypes, and collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to bring their designs to production. The role often requires creativity, technical skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Industrial Design jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Industrial Design jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Industrial Design jobs in Colorado?

For Industrial Design jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Industrial Design jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Industrial Design jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Industrial Design jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Industrial Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Industrial Design job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,290 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Industrial Design Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Department
Industrial Design
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
The Department of Industrial Design at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions. Please include your CV and a portfolio sample with your online application.
For more information about the Department of Industrial Design in our College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/industrial-design.
Responsibilities
An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial design or related field
  • Minimum of 2 years of related industry experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial design
  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial design experience

Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following required materials:
Required Documents
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Digital portfolio or weblink

Optional Documents
  • Cover Letter
  • Copies of all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate if applicable)
  • A list of three professional references and their contact information

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Please submit questions to the Department of Industrial Design at ind@msudenver.edu or call (303) 615-0599.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.