Demo

LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Instrument Mechanical Engineer - Boulder, CO

Southwest Research Institute
Boulder, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 10/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/23/2026
Who We Are:

As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we work to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe. The Solar System Science & Exploration Division of Southwest Research Institute pushes the boundaries of space exploration, solar physics, and mission operations. Our experts lead groundbreaking research, develop cutting-edge instruments, and operate space missions that expand our understanding of the universe.

Objectives of this Role:

  • Produce complex Mechanical Engineering designs and analysis in support of space instrument development, prototype development and proposal efforts.
  • Experience in space instrument structures, optics, thermal, and or mechanism design.
  • Produce mechanical designs using CAD software including layouts, drawings, bill of material development, mass properties management, integration and test plans, procedure development, verification and test plans.
  • Perform mechanical analysis including structural analysis, mechanism analysis, and/or orbital thermal analysis.
  • Lead and support Assembly Integration and Test activities including production paperwork, non-conformance management and disposition.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

  • Develop complex mechanical designs for instruments, prototype development, and proposals including production of CAD models, drawings, and test procedures.
  • Develop integration and test plans, analyze test data to verify instrument performance.
  • Lead and advise on direct hands-on work with spaceflight optical instrument build, integration and testing.
  • Provide mentoring, training and leadership to early career engineers.

Requirements:

  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related Engineering degree field with directly related experience.
  • 10 - 15 years: Spaceflight instrument design and analysis. Proficient in one or more of the following: CREO, Solid Works, ANSYS, NASTRAN, and Thermal Desktop.
  • 10 - 15 years: Spaceflight component testing and verification.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements: Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado. Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section. Job Locations: Boulder, Colorado Salary Range: $117,894.00 - $220,126.00

Salary : $117,894 - $220,126

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Instrument Mechanical Engineer - Boulder, CO?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Instrument Mechanical Engineer - Boulder, CO career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$162,237 - $199,353
Income Estimation: 
$222,110 - $256,974
Income Estimation: 
$224,976 - $270,947
Income Estimation: 
$205,834 - $254,869
Income Estimation: 
$242,530 - $287,120
Income Estimation: 
$132,162 - $161,329
Income Estimation: 
$155,404 - $198,448
Income Estimation: 
$158,725 - $194,124
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Southwest Research Institute

  • Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX
  • Who We Are: The Mechanical Systems Section within the Strategic Aerospace Department provides specialized electromechanical engineering support for U.S. Ai... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX
  • Who We Are: The Tactical Aerospace Department is a premier supplier for aerospace quality complex electronic systems on new and legacy DoW systems. This in... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX
  • Apply principles, theories and concepts to welding and fabrication execution, leading project fabrication efforts by translating design intent into qualifi... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX
  • Architect and design multi-partition, multi-DAL systems within a ARINC 653 environment. Lead engineering teams to develop complex microprocessor based avio... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other LEAD ENGINEER - PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - Instrument Mechanical Engineer - Boulder, CO jobs in the Boulder, CO area that may be a better fit.

  • FutureRecruit Boulder, CO
  • Water Resources Engineer- Full-Time Location: Boulder, CO, 80301 Seeking a water resources engineer with 5 to 10 years of experience to assist with multipl... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Davidson Technologies Boulder, CO
  • Davidson is a distinguished leader in the aerospace and missile defense industry, renowned for its commitment to excellence in hiring exceptional experts, ... more
  • 15 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!