Mechanical Engineer 3
Date: Sep 15, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2123
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 25%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
The Payload Accommodations team develops, designs, and tests mission specific and standard interface solutions required to integrate payloads onto the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle. The team develops structural mechanical designs to accommodate payload requirements, provides structural support to the payload during integrated operations on the ground, and provides mechanical release and separation of the payload from the launch vehicle.
- This position is for Responsible Engineer for adapter hardware on the Payload Accommodations team. Primary tasks include:
- Creating and revising engineering models of various structural/mechanical components and assemblies in support of launch vehicle and mission requirements.
- Perform trade studies to optimize designs for manufacturing, producibility, and performance.
- Support identification of causes of problems and make engineering corrective actions where needed.
- Develops design improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improves performance and/or reliability.
- The job assignment requires coordination with mission management, production sites, launch sites, suppliers, test facilities, and payload customers in support of design, production & test schedules.
- Must have good oral and presentation skills to effectively communicate design and analysis solutions to technical management, program management, and our customer counterparts.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or another related field
- Familiar with structural / mechanical system engineering design, development & qualification
- Demonstrated project management and/or integration experience
- Demonstrated teamwork skills
- Ability to operate independently
- Time management skills and strong self-initiative
- Good communication and writing skills
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and industry/government standards
- Ability to travel
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance is required
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter
- Experience with Siemens NX
- Project integration skills
- Design and integration experience with payload accommodations hardware and/or composite hardware
- Familiarity with hardware non-conformance resolution
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $99,604.00 - $166,007.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver