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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer I

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$131K - $157K/yr

Working under the direction of the Lead Product Engineer and senior engineering staff, this junior ... The Product Design Engineer I assists with design reviews, technical problem-solving, product ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Design Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$35.2K

$75.5K

$115.1K

How much do junior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior design engineer in Colorado is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $84,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by junior design engineers during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to company-specific design processes, managing multiple project deadlines, and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Building strong communication with senior engineers and actively seeking feedback can help address these hurdles. Participating in team meetings and collaborating closely with other departments, such as manufacturing or quality assurance, also enhances understanding and ensures smoother project execution. Embracing continuous learning and leveraging available training resources will further boost confidence and technical growth in the role.

Are Junior Design Engineers well paid?

Junior Design Engineers typically earn entry-level salaries that vary by industry and location but generally range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Compensation can increase with experience, additional skills such as CAD proficiency, and relevant certifications. Entry-level roles often include opportunities for professional development and skill-building in design software and engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior design engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help you excel in team settings and adapt to project needs. These skills ensure accurate design work, efficient project collaboration, and successful development of innovative engineering solutions.

What is the role of a junior design engineer?

A junior design engineer assists in developing and modifying engineering designs, often using CAD software, under the supervision of senior engineers. They support project planning, perform calculations, and help ensure designs meet technical specifications and safety standards.

What is the difference between Junior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectJunior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships or entry-level certificationsBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; professional certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesDesign departments, R&D labs, manufacturing industries
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in engineering firms, manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceMid to senior-level roles in similar industries, often with more project responsibility

The main difference is that a Junior Design Engineer is an entry-level position focusing on learning and supporting design tasks, while a Mechanical Design Engineer typically has more experience and responsibility in designing mechanical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Mechanical Design Engineer usually has more advanced skills and project ownership.

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 are popular job titles related to Junior Design Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Junior Design Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Junior Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Junior Design Engineer job openings:

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - 2026Q2

Astro Digital

Littleton, CO โ€ข On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - 2026Q2

Littleton, United States

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including Earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Santa Clara, California with roughly 100 employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for leading the mechanical design of satellite buses (50 kg to 500 kg), from proposals through to final integration prior to launch.

The ideal candidate is a passionate, selfโ€‘motivated mechanical design engineer with deep experience in the design of space systems and components. They would be comfortable creating parts in a CAD system, laying out entire bus structures with the guidance of structural engineers, working with thermal engineers to specify coatings and thermal solutions, and creating manufacturing, inspection, and assembly drawings. The candidate should be comfortable with GD&T and tolerancing.

Bonus skills include experience with mechanism design and testing, including design calculations such as tolerance and torque margin analysis.

In addition to design responsibilities, the candidate would be able to assist more junior mechanical engineers in layout and component design, drawing creation, and mechanical test planning and execution.

Minimum Qualifications
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
  • 7-15 years of experience as a mechanical design engineer in the aerospace field
  • Proficiency (>5,000 hrs) in one or more CAD systems (Solidworks or Onshape preferred)
  • Proficiency creating part and assembly drawings
  • Comfort with CAD version control /PDM systems and release processes
  • Comfort performing design calculations and basic FEA analyses
  • Selfโ€‘motivated work ethic with a desire to learn new aspects of mechanical design of satellites
  • Willingness and ability to assist and shepherd less experienced engineers
  • Good written, verbal, and virtual communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supervising or mentoring junior engineers, including participating in reviews of designs and drawings
  • Experience working concurrently with structural and thermal engineers to develop designs
  • Familiarity with standards such as NASA-STD-5020 (bolted joints), AIAAโ€‘Sโ€‘114 (mechanisms), NASA-STD-5017 (mechanisms), NASA-STD-7000 (environments)
  • Familiarity with SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare requirements
  • Possesses a solid understanding of thermal environments and effects
Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options, 401k matching, 10 floating holidays, 5 sick days, and 3 weeks (15 days) of PTO per year.

This position requires access to exportโ€‘controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR ยง120.15 and 8 U.S.C. ยง1324b(a)(3) is required.

Job Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $130k โ€“ 150k annually
Location: Hybrid (minimum 2-3 days/wk onsite) in Littleton, CO

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