Mechanical Development Engineer for High-Precision Instruments

Mechanical Development Engineer for High-Precision InstrumentsAlemnis AG – Thun, Switzerland (on-site 80–100%)Alemnis is a Swiss high-tech company and global leader in nanoindentation and micromechanical testing. Our instruments are used by world-class research institutes, national labs and high-precision industries to study materials under extreme conditions — from semiconductors and energy storage to ceramics, metals, and advanced functional materials.Born out of EPFL and Empa, our technology has set new standards in in-situ testing and has been adopted by leading universities and research centres worldwide. At Alemnis, you will help design the next generation of precision instruments used at the forefront of materials science.We are now looking for a Mechanical Development Engineer with experience in precision mechanisms, a passion for challenging engineering problems and a high dedication to achieve project requirements.Your MissionYou will design and develop the mechanical core of Alemnis instruments — precision and flexure mechanisms, ultra-stable structures, and assemblies that operate reliably at microscopic and nanoscopic scales.This is a full-cycle engineering role: In your job you will develop concepts, design products by means of CAD/FEM and assemble your very own prototypes.You will collaborate closely with the electronics development, production and sales team as well as key research partners and suppliers.What You Will DoConcept & System DesignGenerate concepts, sketches and system architectures for precision mechanismsConduct feasibility studies and pre-dimensioningTranslate research and performance requirements into technical specificationsConsider the full system: actuators, sensors, controllers, dynamics, softwareCAD Development3D/2D CAD (Inventor) for assemblies, flexures, precision mechanisms and structural partsPrepare detailed drawings and manufacturing documentationEvaluate manufacturability and tolerance chains with internal teams and external suppliersPrototyping & TestingAssemble prototypes and test setupsDefine and execute test plans for stiffness, dynamic behaviour, precision, drift and reliabilityConduct measurements and analyse results to improve designs iterativelySimulation & Design OptimisationUse FEM for modal analysis, stress, deformation and stiffness optimisationApply FMEA and analytical thinking to identify and mitigate mechanical risksLead design reviews and propose improvements backed by dataIndustrialisation & DocumentationProduce clear documentation for production and assemblyCollaborate with machining, additive manufacturing, ceramic parts, and special-process suppliersMaintain CAD/Vault structure and traceability of design choicesTechnical & Customer SupportProvide input for technical quotations and custom configurationsSupport production and continuous improvementsOccasionally support customers on technical issues — remote or on-site when your expertise is required (low travel load)Who You AreYou recognise yourself in many of these:Experience & BackgroundBSc/MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Micro-engineering or similarIdeally 5+ years of experience in either precision mechanics, scientific instruments, semiconductor equipment, robotics, microscopy, metrology, or related fieldsIdeally experience designing flexure mechanisms, kinematic structures, and precision assembliesProficient skills in 3D CAD (preferably Autodesk Inventor) and creating technical drawingsPractical understanding of manufacturing: CNC machining, grinding, EDM, laser machining, ceramics, additive manufacturingExperience with FEM (modal/structural) for design optimisationMindset & Soft SkillsPassionate about precision mechanics, dynamic performance and challenging technical problemsComfortable working in small, agile teams with a versatile, hands-on approachHands-on approach — willing to prototype, assemble and adjust partsCurious, open-minded, analytical, creativeStrong communicator who collaborates easily with electronics, software, applications, suppliers and research partnersLanguagesFluent in EnglishAdditional languages (German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, or any other languages) are strong assetsWhy You’ll Thrive at AlemnisJoin a global leader in nanomechanical testing with deep academic and industrial rootsWork on cutting-edge instruments used top universities, national research laboratories, high tech companies, worldwideShape the mechanical architecture of next-generation high-precision instrumentsCollaborate with high-end suppliers in Switzerland, Europe, US and AsiaBe part of a small, highly skilled team where your ideas have direct impactWork in an inspiring location in Thun, Switzerland — with mountains and lakes on your doorstepGrow with the company as responsibilities expandHow to ApplyPlease submit your CV, a short motivation letter, and — if available — a portfolio or screenshots of relevant mechanical designsIf you enjoy designing mechanisms that feel “just right”, solving complex engineering challenges, and working hands-on with high-precision instruments, we’d love to hear from you.