Mechanical Engineer II

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Mechanical Engineer II in LASP. This on-site role supports multi-disciplinary design, analysis, and testing with guidance from senior engineers.

You will contribute across mechanical and space-environment domains. Requirements include a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or Physics; experience with FEA tools (Ansys/NASTRAN) and SolidWorks; three years in the field; and proficiency with drawings and GD&T.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace or Physics.
• FEA software, ideally ANSYS or NASTRAN, to perform analysis.
• Three years of experience.
• CAD design experience with solid modeling software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience creating mechanical drawings.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, GD&T.
• Knowledge of space environments (temperature, vacuum, radiation, launch loads, on-orbit loads).

Responsibilities

• Interfaces with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Purchases specialty mechanical hardware.
• Performs stress calculations on structural members.
• Uses FEA software, ideally ANSYS or NASTRAN, to perform basic analysis
• May present at project-level reviews at lead ME's and PM's discretion.
• Presents design(s) to internal and external reviewers.
• Works with lead MEs and mentors to learn how to make design decisions
• May work on small proposal efforts with direction from a more senior ME
• Responsible for typical day-to-day project communications.
• Manage assigned tasks to stay on schedule projects/programs
• May mentor ME students when assigned to a project
• Interacts with vendors.
• Other Duties Assigned

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace or Physics

Tools

ANSYS

NASTRAN

SolidWorks

GD&T

Job description

Requisition Number: 75948

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 10-Nov-2026

Date Posted: 06-Nov-2026

Job Summary

A Mechanical Engineer II is a mechanical engineer that has shown capability to perform designs, analyses, and / or perform tests with support from peers, the lead ME, and / or other mentors. They have more autonomy than an ME I. They show proficiency in more than one technical area, and / or interact with the other disciplines of engineering within LASP. Designs are vetted by the project team, lead ME, peer-reviewers, etc.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space‑weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Interfaces with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Purchases specialty mechanical hardware.
• Performs stress calculations on structural members.
• Uses FEA software, ideally ANSYS or NASTRAN, to perform basic analysis
• May present at project-level reviews at lead ME's and PM's discretion.
• Presents design(s) to internal and external reviewers.
• Works with lead MEs and mentors to learn how to make design decisions
• May work on small proposal efforts with direction from a more senior ME
• Responsible for typical day-to-day project communications.
• Manage assigned tasks to stay on schedule projects/programs
• May mentor ME students when assigned to a project
• Interacts with vendors.
• Other Duties Assigned

What You Should Know

• 100% on site work.

What We Can Offer

Hourly Rate: $48-$52 per hour.

Benefits

Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace or Physics.
• FEA software, ideally ANSYS or NASTRAN, to perform analysis.
• Three years of experience.
• CAD design experience with solid modeling software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience creating mechanical drawings.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, GD&T.
• Knowledge of space environments (temperature, vacuum, radiation, launch loads, on-orbit loads).

What You Will Need

• Ability to function well in a team based environment.
• Attention to detail.