Engineering

Space System Engineer (F/M/D) 100%

100%
Permanent
Neuchâtel

For more than two decades, CSEM has been contributing to some of Europe’s most demanding space missions, developing cutting‑edge photonics, opto-mechanical and timing instrumentation technologies. Our teams have supported multiple flagship programs across space science, Earth observation, precision metrology, and quantum technologies — from pioneering precision mechanisms for space to cutting edge photonics-based instruments and advanced ground support equipment.

CSEM’s Instrumentation Division, based in Neuchâtel, is now looking for a System 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 — areas where CSEM has long‑standing expertise.

Your mission

As a System Engineer, you will act as the architect of flight and ground space equipment. You will work closely with project managers and a multidisciplinary team to tailor technical solutions and ensure that all optical, mechanical, electronic, and control elements integrate into a coherent and reliable system.

Your responsibilities

  • Define system architecture and requirements in accordance with ESA practice.
  • Coordinate the design and integration of optical, mechanical, electronic, and control subsystems for advanced space instrumentation.
  • Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams (optics, mechanics, electronics, software) to ensure consistent system integration and alignment across all project phases.
  • Coordinate the design of ground support equipment, including cabling and control logic, ensuring complete documentation as well as compliance with safety, grounding, and EMC requirements.
  • Perform system‑level integration, functional verification, and performance environmental testing.
  • Prepare technical documentation, such as ICDs, test procedures, verification matrices, and review packages for ESA milestones.
  • Conduct hands‑on laboratory work, including assembly, troubleshooting, optical alignment, calibration, and measurement data analysis.

Your profile

Know-how

  • MSc/PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent
  • Strong background in system engineering, with solid knowledge in at least two of the following: optics/photonics, mechanics/opto‑mechanics, electronics, automation/control
  • Experience in flight hardware or ground support equipment (OGSE/MGSE) design, integration, or testing
  • Ability to produce and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, ICDs, verification plans, and test reports
  • Proficiency with ECSS standards and engineering workflows used in ESA projects
  • Experience with requirement management software (preferably reqSuite RM), data analysis, FE modelling, or simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Altair, Python, MATLAB)
  • Strong communication skills, enabling effective interaction with optics, mechanics, electronics, software, QA, and project management teams

Interpersonal skills

  • Strong communication skills, enabling effective work with multidisciplinary teams
  • Rigorous, structured, and reliable working style
  • Proactive, curious, and motivated, with a hands‑on attitude
  • Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to coordinate across disciplines
  • Creative, solution‑focused, and able to troubleshoot complex technical issues
  • 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.