Senior Precision Mechanical R&D Engineer

Facing the challenges of our time - Help us grow and be more impactful

For more than three decades, CSEM has contributed to demanding European space missions through the development of precision mechanisms, scientific instruments and dedicated support equipment. Our work bridges applied research and flight-oriented hardware development, from early concepts to integrated and tested systems.

The Precision Mechanisms group of CSEM's Instrumentation Business Unit, based in Neuchatel, is looking for a Senior Precision Mechanical Engineer to strengthen its space hardware development activities. We are seeking an experienced, hands-on engineer who can rapidly take ownership of mechanical developments and contribute across the full lifecycle, from detailed design to assembly, integration, testing and technical problem solving.

Maximum duration contract of 2 years.

Your mission

You will play a key role in delivering precision mechanical hardware for demanding applications. From early concepts and requirements to assembly, integration, and verification, you will transform ideas into robust, manufacturable hardware. As a senior engineer, you will own mechanical work packages, coordinate subcontractors and suppliers, and solve practical engineering challenges throughout the development and qualification process.

Your responsibilities

• Design precision mechanisms, mechanical structures, optomechanical interfaces and custom test equipment. This includes 3D models, technical drawings, interface data, tolerances and manufacturing documentation.
• Prepare procurement specifications, select and coordinate suppliers and subcontractors. Define incoming inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and manage technical clarifications and non-conformances.
• Take technical ownership of mechanical work packages from concept selection through manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing.
• Prepare and execute assembly, integration, including work in cleanroom and contamination-sensitive environments.
• Prepare and execute performance and environmental test campaigns on-site and off-site.
• Contribute to risk analyses, design reviews, failure investigations and root cause analyses.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams covering systems, optics, electronics, thermal engineering, analysis, quality and testing.
• Contribute to customer and partner exchanges, technical reviews, project documentation and proposal activities when required.

Your profile

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Microtechnology or a related field.

Know-how

Essential know-how

• Senior-level experience in the development, manufacture, assembly, integration and testing of precision mechanisms, with the autonomy to take ownership of complex mechanical developments and deliver workable hardware.
• Proven experience with 3D CAD and the production of high-quality technical drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Practical experience of hardware integration, mechanical inspection, test preparation and execution.
• Experience in supplier and subcontractor coordination, including technical specifications, manufacturing follow-up and non-conformance handling.
• Sound understanding of tolerancing, materials, manufacturing processes and design for assembly in high-precision applications.
• Ability to communicate and document technical decisions clearly in a multidisciplinary and customer-facing environment.

Highly valued experience

• Hands-on experience with cleanroom assembly and contamination-sensitive hardware. This is a strong advantage for rapid operational contribution.

Nice to have

• Experience in the development of compliant mechanisms
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and space project development practices.
• Experience with mechanical simulation as part of design and verification activities.
• Experience with optomechanical systems, scientific instrumentation or custom ground support equipment.
• Experience contributing to formal project reviews and verification documentation.
• Machining skills (milling, drilling, lath).

Interpersonal skills

• Autonomous, organised and results-oriented, with a strong sense of technical ownership.
• Hands-on, pragmatic and comfortable moving between design work, supplier discussions, laboratory activities and testing.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with specialists from different engineering disciplines.
• Clear communication and technical writing skills, including the ability to explain decisions, risks and trade-offs.
• Curiosity, sound engineering judgement and a structured approach to solving unexpected hardware problems.
• Fluency