Precision Mechanisms Design & Analysis 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 developed high-performance precision mechanisms and mechatronic systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications. Our teams combine analytical and numerical modelling, advanced mechanical design and experimental validation to transform new concepts into functional, reliable and manufacturable hardware.

The Precision Mechanisms group of CSEM's Instrumentation Business Unit, based in Neuchâtel, is looking for a Precision Mechanisms Design & Analysis Engineer to strengthen its capabilities in analytical and numerical modelling, compliant mechanisms and optomechatronic systems. We are seeking an engineer who combines strong analytical skills with practical development experience and who understands that modelling and simulation are decision-support tools that must remain grounded in engineering judgement, manufacturing constraints and test evidence.

Maximum duration contract of 2 years.

Your mission

You will develop concepts for precision optomechatronic systems and validate them using appropriate analytical and simulation-based approaches. You will build models that are fit for purpose, challenge their assumptions and use them to guide design decisions. Beyond analysis, you will remain involved as concepts become manufactured parts, assembled prototypes and validated systems, helping to close the loop between models and reality.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and assess concepts for precision mechanisms in multidisciplinary projects involving mechanics, optics, electronics and advanced control.
• Select and apply fit-for-purpose analytical and simulation-based approaches, with a level of fidelity appropriate to the development maturity, risks and available evidence; translate the findings into practical design improvements and well-founded technical decisions.
• Define validation approaches and contribute to test campaign definition, execution and correlation between analytical or numerical models and test results.
• Prepare clear technical documentation and present methods, assumptions, results, uncertainties and recommendations during project reviews.
• Contribute to research and innovation by developing new technology building blocks for precision mechanisms, preparing scientific papers and presenting results at conferences.
• Support business development by participating in meetings with prospective clients and contributing to the preparation of technical and commercial proposals.

Your profile

Know-how

Essential know-how

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Microengineering, Physics or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of solid mechanics and engineering modelling, with experience in analytical methods, finite element analysis and multiphysics simulations (e.g. mechanical and thermal).
• Experience in the design and development of compliant mechanisms or precision mechanical systems, including multidisciplinary hardware combining precision mechanics with optics, electronics and control.
• Demonstrated experience in taking at least one or two hardware developments beyond concept and simulation through manufacturing, testing and pre-industrial maturity.
• Ability to connect analytical and numerical results with physical behaviour, assess uncertainty and limitations, and revise models or designs when confronted with test evidence.
• Ability to document and communicate technical work clearly, both orally and in writing, in a multidisciplinary and customer-facing environment.

Strong advantages

• Knowledge of optimisation methods, parametric modelling, design of experiments, surrogate modelling or AI-assisted design exploration, ideally applied to automated concept generation, compliant-mechanism synthesis or the development of reusable analytical models from numerical simulations.
• A strong academic track record, such as a PhD, peer-reviewed publications or meaningful contributions to collaborative research in the field of compliant mechanisms, combined with demonstrated industrial or pre-industrial development experience.
• Experience in the space sector or in the development of hardware for similarly demanding and highly regulated environments.
• Experience in mechanical watch.

Nice to have

• Experience in design for additive manufacturing or metal additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards or space project development practices.

Interpersonal skills

• Analytical and rigorous, while remaining pragmatic and focused on useful engineering decisions.
• Intellectually curious and willing to challenge both numerical results and personal assumptions.
• Comfortable moving between theory, modelling, design reviews, laboratory work and hardware troubleshooting.
• Autonomous and well organised, with the ability to take ownership of technical topics and bring them to a clear conclusion.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with specialists from different disciplines.
• Clear communication and technical writing skills in English and French.

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.