Mechanical Development Engineer for High-Precision Instruments

Mechanical Development Engineer for High-Precision Instruments

Alemnis 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 Mission

You 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 Do

Concept & System Design

• Generate concepts, sketches and system architectures for precision mechanisms
• Conduct feasibility studies and pre-dimensioning
• Translate research and performance requirements into technical specifications
• Consider the full system: actuators, sensors, controllers, dynamics, software

CAD Development

• 3D/2D CAD (Inventor) for assemblies, flexures, precision mechanisms and structural parts
• Prepare detailed drawings and manufacturing documentation
• Evaluate manufacturability and tolerance chains with internal teams and external suppliers

Prototyping & Testing

• Assemble prototypes and test setups
• Define and execute test plans for stiffness, dynamic behaviour, precision, drift and reliability
• Conduct measurements and analyse results to improve designs iteratively

Simulation & Design Optimisation

• Use FEM for modal analysis, stress, deformation and stiffness optimisation
• Apply FMEA and analytical thinking to identify and mitigate mechanical risks
• Lead design reviews and propose improvements backed by data

Industrialisation & Documentation

• Produce clear documentation for production and assembly
• Collaborate with machining, additive manufacturing, ceramic parts, and special-process suppliers
• Maintain CAD/Vault structure and traceability of design choices

Technical & Customer Support

• Provide input for technical quotations and custom configurations
• Support production and continuous improvements
• Occasionally support customers on technical issues — remote or on-site when your expertise is required (low travel load)

Who You Are

You recognise yourself in many of these:

Experience & Background

• BSc/MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Micro-engineering or similar
• Ideally 5+ years of experience in either precision mechanics, scientific instruments, semiconductor equipment, robotics, microscopy, metrology, or related fields
• Ideally experience designing flexure mechanisms, kinematic structures, and precision assemblies
• Proficient skills in 3D CAD (preferably Autodesk Inventor) and creating technical drawings
• Practical understanding of manufacturing: CNC machining, grinding, EDM, laser machining, ceramics, additive manufacturing
• Experience with FEM (modal/structural) for design optimisation

Mindset & Soft Skills

• Passionate about precision mechanics, dynamic performance and challenging technical problems
• Comfortable working in small, agile teams with a versatile, hands-on approach
• Hands-on approach — willing to prototype, assemble and adjust parts
• Curious, open-minded, analytical, creative
• Strong communicator who collaborates easily with electronics, software, applications, suppliers and research partners

Languages

• Fluent in English
• Additional languages (German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, or any other languages) are strong assets

Why You’ll Thrive at Alemnis

• Join a global leader in nanomechanical testing with deep academic and industrial roots
• Work on cutting-edge instruments used top universities, national research laboratories, high tech companies, worldwide
• Shape the mechanical architecture of next-generation high-precision instruments
• Collaborate with high-end suppliers in Switzerland, Europe, US and Asia
• Be part of a small, highly skilled team where your ideas have direct impact
• Work in an inspiring location in Thun, Switzerland — with mountains and lakes on your doorstep
• Grow with the company as responsibilities expand

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, a short motivation letter, and — if available — a portfolio or screenshots of relevant mechanical designs

If 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.