Mechanical CAD Designer

Mechanical CAD Designer

Zürich Region, Switzerland (on-site)
Mechanical CAD Design | Prototype Development | Hands-on Assembly

Are you a hands-on Mechanical CAD Designer who enjoys doing more than producing drawings?

I am supporting a highly respected Swiss technology organisation in its search for a Mechanical CAD Designer to join an international team developing technically advanced, one-off mechanical prototypes.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of specialised equipment from the initial CAD design through to construction, assembly, adaptation and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to see their designs become functioning physical systems.

This is an employed role with the organisation for an initial two-year term, with the possibility of extension for a further two-years.

Your responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D CAD designs for specialised mechanical components and assemblies
• Develop technically demanding, one-off prototypes
• Take responsibility for designs from the initial concept through to physical assembly
• Independently assemble, adapt and improve the systems you design
• Contribute hands-on to specialised winding and production activities
• Help develop and optimise new manufacturing and assembly processes
• Produce or modify simpler components using drilling, turning and milling
• Select and procure mechanical components, parts and raw materials
• Liaise with suppliers and external manufacturing partners
• Work closely with engineers, scientists and technical specialists
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement practical design improvements

Your background

The organisation is looking for someone with a strong practical foundation in mechanical design and prototype construction.

You should bring:

• Completed apprenticeship or vocational training as a Konstrukteur/in, Mechanical Designer, Technischer Produktdesigner, Mechanical Drafter or an equivalent discipline
• Professional experience in mechanical CAD design
• Strong practical experience in prototype development, construction or assembly
• The ability to work autonomously and take ownership from CAD design through to final assembly
• A good understanding of mechanical components, materials and manufacturing processes
• Confidence working in a workshop, laboratory or prototype environment
• Experience selecting and procuring mechanical parts or raw materials
• Motivation to learn new and highly specialised technical processes
• Good English communication skills are required, German is a plus
• A collaborative and solution-oriented approach

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous but is not essential:

• Special-purpose machinery or custom equipment
• Precision mechanics or scientific instrumentation
• Coil winding or electromechanical systems
• Cryogenic or vacuum-related equipment
• Conventional machining
• FFF 3D printing or additive manufacturing .

Why consider this opportunity?

• Design genuinely unique prototypes rather than repetitive series-production components
• Personally take your work from CAD model to functioning physical equipment
• Combine mechanical design with construction, assembly and problem-solving
• Work with advanced technologies in an innovative engineering environment
• Access excellent technical, laboratory and workshop infrastructure
• Receive structured training in highly specialised manufacturing processes
• Collaborate with an international and interdisciplinary team
• Contribute to a major long-term European technology programme
• Benefit from the employment conditions of a respected and well-established Swiss organisation