Senior Mechanical Engineer (Defense)

Location: On-site in Lausanne, Switzerland

Company

Next-generation defense prime developing autonomous and scalable defense systems for allied forces.

What you will do

• Own mechanical architectures and physical assemblies from concept through production and final delivery.
• Run non-linear explicit finite element simulations for structural integrity, impact, vibration, shock, and high-velocity mechanical behavior.
• Create complex CAD models, structural housings, mechanisms, and technical drawings for production release.
• Define and execute environmental, drop, structural, and shock tests, including lab and range setups and sensor data analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams on payload optimization, spatial layouts, physical constraints, and mechanical integration.
• Support hazard assessments, first-production validation, manufacturing optimization, field demonstrations, and customer engagements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience with non-linear explicit finite element analysis for high-velocity impact, dynamic loading, shock waves, and material failure.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical hardware, structural mechanics, tolerance stack-ups, thermal dissipation, and dynamic load transfer.
• Practical experience with prototype testing, environmental chambers, dynamic test tracks, or field evaluation programs.
• Proficiency in standard CAD software, complex assembly design, mechanical drafting, and manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or injection molding.
• Strong ownership, practical problem-solving ability, and experience balancing physical analysis with project timelines.

Nice to have

• Direct exposure to high-performance mechanical design from early concepts through physical deployment.
• Experience testing and validating hardware in realistic operational environments.
• Experience working with external stakeholders on mission-critical systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on technologies with real-world impact and mission-critical applications.
• Regular opportunities to test and validate hardware in realistic operational environments.
• Close collaboration with cross-functional technical teams and external stakeholders.
• Environment focused on rigor, ownership, execution, and ambitious technical challenges.