Senior Design Engineer (80-100%)

• Product Development and Trade-Off Optimization: You develop components from concept level to serial production by optimizing trade-offs between specifications such as cost, manufacturability, and operational performance, ensuring balanced and efficient solutions. 

• Design and CAD Engineering: You create and refine product designs using CAD software to produce  3D parts, component assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings compliant with standards that meet technical and functional requirements. 

• Documentation and PLM Management: You provide and maintain accurate design documentation—including drawings, specifications, and bills of materials—and ensure all assets are consistently updated within a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. 

• Prototyping and Testing Support: You support prototype fabrication and testing, conducting hands-on experiments to validate design concepts and troubleshoot technical issues during the development process. 

• Design Reviews and Quality Processes: You actively present in design reviews and engage in quality assurance activities such as Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and participate in first article inspections during manufacturing to drive product improvement and ensure reliability. 

• Qualifications and Industry Experience: You hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field or have completed a 10-year technical apprenticeship that provides equivalent qualifications. You bring a proven industrial experience in design engineering, with a solid understanding of mechanical product development in a manufacturing context. 

• Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Knowledge: You have at least 5 years of experience in designing mechanical components for industrial equipment, with expertise in material selection, design for manufacturing, and compliance with industry regulations (e.g., machinery directive). Your knowledge includes metal and sheet metal processing methods such as bending, welding, bolting, milling, and casting. 

• Engineering Skills and Technical Expertise: You are proficient in CAD software and PLM systems, with experience creating technical drawings and applying GD&T. You use simulation tools for structural analysis and design optimization to support early validation and improve engineering decisions. 

• Design Methodologies and Sustainability: You apply advanced design methodologies including material selection, design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA), maintainability (DfM), and environmental impact (DfE). Your approach integrates sustainable thinking throughout the development process. You have strong attention to detail and organizational skills.  

• Project Leadership and Collaboration: You have a proven track record of successfully managing design projects from concept to implementation. You collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, manage third-party vendors, and thrive in environments that require close coordination and technical ownership. 

• Innovation, Mentoring, and Communication: You bring creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation in sustainable technologies, especially in early-stage R&D. You communicate clearly, enjoy mentoring junior engineers, and are comfortable working in IP-sensitive collaborations with external partners. You have sense of ownership and efficient execution. 

• Languages and Travel: You are business fluent in English and willing to travel occasionally. 

Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together.

What we offer:

• Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.

• Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.

• Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package – because your contributions matter.

• Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.

• Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.

• Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals.

Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.

Formalities: 

• This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week.

• The percentage in the job title means flexibility – choose full-time or part-time based on what works for you.

• We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.