Senior Precision Mechanical Engineer (F/M/D) 100%

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

For more than three decades, CSEM has been contributing to some of Europe’s most demanding space missions, from pioneering precision mechanisms to cutting edge photonics-based instruments and advanced ground support equipment. Our teams have supported multiple flagship programs across space science, earth observation, planetary exploration, and quantum technologies.

The Precision Mechanisms group of CSEM’s Instrumentation Business Unit, based in Neuchâtel, is now looking for a Senior Precision Mechanical Engineer to join our growing space activities, contributing to missions such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Next Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM). These missions push the boundaries of ultra‑stable lasers, precision opto‑mechanical systems, and state‑of‑the‑art measurement technologies.

Your mission

You will play a key role in the hands‑on development of high‑precision mechanical and opto‑mechanical hardware for demanding space missions. Taking ownership of technical solutions, you will transform complex concepts into functional, test‑proven systems through detailed design, integration and verification activities. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners, you will contribute directly to the delivery of robust, high‑performance prototypes and qualification models that meet stringent space requirements.

Your responsibilities

• Analyze and translate customer and system requirements into robust mechanical and opto‑mechanical architectures, covering both flight hardware and high‑performance ground support equipment.
• Design mechanical and opto‑mechatronic (sub-)systems, including precision mechanical structures and interfaces for optics and electronics, complex thermal management concepts and outstanding reliability.
• Act as mechanical design authority at system level, coordinating with internal stakeholders, ensuring consistency, performance, robustness, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead interface management and technical coordination with industrial partners, relying on their expertise while ensuring full alignment with system‑level requirements and constraints.
• Lead Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Test (MAIT) activities, including management of sub-contractors, development of dedicated ground support equipment, and supervision of environmental and performance test campaigns.
• Produce and maintain space project technical documentation, including design files, interface control documents, verification documentation, and support to project reviews in compliance with ECSS standards.
• Support CSEM’s project and technical activities, through technical exchanges with customers and partners, contribution to proposals, and participation in technical reviews

Your profile

Know-how

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Microtechnology, or a related field.
• Strong experience in precision mechanical and opto‑mechanical systems design and MAIT for space scientific instrumentation, covering device‑level hardware from decimeter‑scale to meter‑scale.
• Solid understanding of structural, thermal, and stability aspects of precision systems. Experience in compliant mechanisms design is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in CAD (Solidworks) and FEM (COMSOL, ALTAIR) tools for the design, analysis, and validation of precision mechanical and opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Strong knowledge of space project philosophy and ECSS standards.
• Proven ability to operate at system level, combining mechanical design, interface definition, verification logic, and partner / sub-contractors’ coordination.
• Comfortable working in multidisciplinary environments (mechanics, optics, electronics, test).

Interpersonal skills

• Excellent communication and technical writing skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, partners, and internal teams.
• Autonomous, well organized, and results oriented.
• Team oriented mindset with the ability to take technical leadership on complex topics.
• Innovative and out-of-the-box thinker, with natural curiosity and interest in multidisciplinary activities.
• Fluency in French and English, German is considered a strong asset.

CSEM mission and values

We believe in a future that is imagined, shared, and created TOGETHER.

At CSEM, we don’t just innovate, we envision technologies that shape tomorrow.

Since 1984, our purpose has remained constant: to harness science and technology for the benefit of society. Today, with over 650 people across Switzerland, we remain committed to our mission: to develop and transfer world-class solutions in digital technologies, precision manufacturing, and sustainable energy systems. In doing so, we empower Swiss industry to innovate and remain competitive.

Our strength is the excellence of our people. We believe that strong values support the successful development of our organization as well as the harmonious and balanced development of all our employees.

We are

• A unique place between research and industry at the cutting edge of new technologies
• An innovative, non-profit, and employee-driven company
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment
• A solar team focused on enabling solutions to energy challenges for a sustainable world

Working@CSEM means

• Being part of a passionate community.
• Flexibility, attractive working conditions, and opportunities of development.
• Benefit from a management style based on trust & feedback.

Our recruitment process

• First contact with one or two of our engineers.
• HR interview to get to know you and explain what it is like to be part of the CSEM teams.
• You prepare a case and present to your future team members and top management (depending on the position assessment).

 

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

 

We look forward to receiving your complete application file via (CV, cover letter, certificates & diplomas) our job page. Preference will be given to professionals applying directly.