Prop Systems Design Engineer 1
United Launch Alliance
Centennial, CO · Posted November 9, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at United Launch Alliance
More in Colorado job market · Aerospace & Defense · Engineering jobs
More roles at United Launch Alliance
- Senior Counsel - Government Programs 6 · Centennial, CO
- Electrical Engineer 3 · Centennial, CO
- Leadership Development Specialist 5 · Centennial, CO
- Systems Test Engineer 3 · Vandenberg AFB, CA
- Integrated Test Environment (ITE) Software Engineer 2 · Centennial, CO
- Propulsions Design Engineer 4 · Centennial, CO
Similar jobs
- Senior Wire Harness Design Engineer · CesiumAstro · Westminster, CO
- System Design Engineer · Kinder Morgan · COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
- Engineer I - Electromechanical Harness Design · BAE Systems · Westminster, CO
- Senior Ground Support Design Engineer · Ursa Major Technologies · Berthoud, CO
- Mechanical Engineer- Powertrain & Aftertreatment · Paccar · Denton, TX
- Senior Vehicle Controls Engineer - Electrical · Paccar · Kirkland, WA
Where Centennial, CO ranks
Where Centennial, CO placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #6Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the Mountain West14% · of 14
- #6Best cities for junior jobs in the Mountain West30% · of 19
- #8Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the Mountain West9% · of 18
- #8Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Mountain West57% · of 19
- #11Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Mountain West4% · of 16
- #11Best cities for director and executive jobs in the Mountain West12% · of 19
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
Requisition ID: 2458
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
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 Vulcan Development team is looking for a Propulsion Systems Design Engineer 1 to support development of the Centaur V on SLS upper stage. This engineering function provides design, systems integration, subcontract management, and technical product support for the Centaur V propulsion fluids systems – cryogenic, non-cryogenic, hydraulics, and pneumatics. The responsibilities for the individual in this position will include:
Developing subsystem and component designs and requirements to satisfy overall propulsion system functionality
Supporting system integration and system-level trade studies to optimize designs for manufacturing, producibility, and performance
Generating engineering drawings or changes, as well as assembly and testing requirements
Providing direct support to suppliers, the factory, and the launch site to ensure production schedules are met, anomalies are resolved, and operations are streamlined for efficiency
Reviewing the as-built product and test data to verify that the final product configuration and performance meet requirements and are ready for test and/or flight
Developing design improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve vehicle performance
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
None required
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university
Exposure to mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or fluid systems design, analysis, integration, or testing
Understanding of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and mechanical system design principles
Experience presenting technical information and communicating with stakeholders across an organization
Experience working with cross-functional teams
Strong attention to detail with ability to work in a fast-paced development environment
Preferred Qualifications
Proficient with mechanical and tube design using NX and Teamcenter
Experience developing engineering drawings, specifications, or technical documentation
Ability to perform stress, fluids, and/or thermodynamics analyses in support of your designs
Ability to interpret engineering requirements and verify system or component compliance through analysis, inspection, or testing
Proficient with Microsoft Office tools and project-integration skills
Experience utilizing agile processes in a development program environment
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $70,952.00 - $118,253.00
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