Mechanical Engineer - Missile Launcher

Destinus; Zürich; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a highly motivated mechanical engineer to design and develop launchers for missiles and rockets within the Systems department. This role requires close collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and a hands-on ownership mindset.

You will generate 3D CAD models and documentation, perform calculations, and create manufacturing plans for launchers. Expect active involvement in design reviews and manufacturing support, with travel up to 20% to other Destinus sites.

Qualifications

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years mechanical engineering experience in defence or aerospace.
• Proficient in Siemens NX; Teamcenter a plus.
• Experience with automated solutions or test benches is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.
• Fluency in English; German a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and documentation for manufacturing and testing.
• Provide engineering calculations and documentation to substantiate designs.
• Develop launchers for missiles and rockets and define mechanical interfaces.
• Coordinate with peers across systems, safety, electrical, and aerospace teams.
• Coach junior engineers and interns in design and CAD.
• Support SRR, PDR, CDR reviews and product development processes.
• Manage suppliers and manufacturing processes, addressing technical questions.
• Drive innovation to keep systems at the edge of technology.
• Travel to different Destinus sites (max 20%).

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Autonomy

English fluency

Education

BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Jama

Jira

Confluence

Job description

About the Role

Destinus is looking for a highly motivated and hands‑on mechanical engineer capable of delivering engineering solutions as part of the research and development in the Destinus Systems department. In this role you will design and develop launchers for missiles and rockets, including all relevant mechanical subsystems. The ideal candidate is a strong team player with good social and communication skills to continuously coordinate with the peers of the respective engineering disciplines and teams, has a demonstrated ability to take technical ownership during development and drive technical solutions.

What you will do

• Generate 3D CAD models, drawings, schematics, bills of material, and other related documentation required for manufacturing, integration and testing
• Deliver technical documentation including any engineering calculations, analysis and assumptions required to substantiate your design decisions and solutions
• Create engineering design, prototypes, and manufacturing plans for launchers for missiles and rockets
• Manage suppliers and manufacturers by addressing any technical questions and resolving any issues which may arise during the manufacturing process.
• Select standard parts, fasteners, equipment, and consumables following best practices and industry standards
• Take ownership of your design work and closely coordinate with your peers in the engineering department across the involved engineering disciplines (systems, safety, electrical, aerospace, etc.)
• Closely work together with the missile / rocket design team to define the mechanical interfaces between the launcher and the canister / rocket / missile
• Coach junior engineers and interns in mechanical design, manufacturing and CAD.
• Support the product development process through the design review process (SRR, PDR, CDR etc.)
• Support and accompany the integration, assembly and manufacturing phases of the launchers from a mechanical engineering point of view
• Drive innovation with new ideas to keep Destinus’ air defence and strike systems at the edge of technology
• Support both the structured product development process as well as the rapid prototyping approach at the engineering department

What you will need

• BSc. In Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering or a related discipline.
• Ideally, technical training as a mechanical designer / drafter
• 2-5 years of working experience in mechanical engineering in defence or in a related industry sector (e.g. aerospace) with close ties to manufacturing
• Experience with design of automated solutions, special machines or test benches is a benefit
• Experience with Siemens NX is a must, experience with Teamcenter is a plus
• Ideally, experience in several different phases: design, build, integration, test, and operation
• Experience with thermal management and rocket / missile exhaust systems
• Knowledge of military standards (MIL-STD, STANAG, AECTP) and engineering and requirement management tools (Jama, Jira, Confluence etc.)
• Knowledge of relevant technical topics for missile and rocket launchers (propulsion systems, communication protocols, tactical data links, firing control, radar sensors, safety etc.) is a plus
• Willingness to travel to different Destinus sites (max. 20%)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, international and multidisciplinary development team
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work autonomously
• Fluency in English is required; German is a plus.