Mechanical Engineer – Autonomous Drone Interceptors

CDDS AG; Zürich; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct impact on mission-critical tech

Fast-moving startup environment

Hands-on, high-ownership team

Job summary

CDDS AG, a frontier robotics startup near Zurich, seeks a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical design, prototyping, and manufacturing readiness of its high-speed interceptor drone. You will move components from SolidWorks into production-ready parts, optimizing weight, robustness, and assembly efficiency.

You will collaborate with drone and aerodynamics engineers on airframe integration, scaling production, and maintaining BOMs and documentation, while delivering robust mechanical

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar – industry experience required.
• Strong SolidWorks proficiency (3D modelling, assemblies, drawings)
• Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM): injection moulding, 3D printing, CNC machining
• Knowledge of fastener selection and efficient mechanical joining for rapid assembly
• Hands-on prototyping experience – you build what you design
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-ownership startup with long hours when the mission demands it

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies in SolidWorks, optimised for weight, strength, and manufacturability
• Develop 3D-printed and injection-moulded parts from concept through prototyping to production
• Design for efficient assembly: select fasteners, interfaces, and joining methods that minimise build time and maximise reliability
• Collaborate with the drone and aerodynamics engineers on airframe integration and structural design
• Support production scaling and maintain BOM, drawing packages, and assembly documentation
• Conduct mechanical testing and validate designs against real-world loads and flight conditions

Skills

SolidWorks

DFM

Prototyping

Fast-paced startup

Education

BSc or MSc Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D Printing

Injection Moulding

CNC Machining

Job description

CDDS AG, a frontier robotics startup near Zurich, seeks a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical design, prototyping, and manufacturing readiness of its high-speed interceptor drone. You will move components from SolidWorks into production-ready parts, optimizing weight, robustness, and assembly efficiency.

You will collaborate with drone and aerodynamics engineers on airframe integration, scaling production, and maintaining BOMs and documentation, while delivering robust mechanical