Overview
The Countdown Company is looking for a mechanical engineer to develop tailored mechanical systems across multiple industries, including aerospace, watchmaking and the food industry.
Work Environment
Based in Orbe, Switzerland, the role offers a non‑corporate, multidisciplinary setting with a workshop on the ground floor and an office on the first floor. All tools required for product development are vertically integrated.
Responsibilities
- Develop mechanical systems ensuring compliance with specifications and quality standards.
- Participate in all engineering phases of system development: specification, design, analysis, manufacturing, testing and commissioning.
- Cover all mechanical engineering fields in system development: structure, drive, pneumatics, hydraulics, automation and safety.
- Use CAD software to create detailed designs, drawings and complex assemblies.
- Dimension mechanical structures and elements.
- Conduct feasibility studies and analysis to evaluate design concepts.
- Prototype and test mechanical components and assemblies to validate design concepts and performance criteria.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks and resolve technical issues and conflicts.
- Define specifications and architecture for mechanical systems and sub‑systems.
- Participate in design reviews, project meetings and cross‑functional discussions.
- Assist planning and participate in manufacturing, assembly and integration activities.
- Support sales in assessing project feasibility and providing cost breakdowns.
- Contact and negotiate with suppliers.
- Prepare technical documentation: presentations, reports, manuals, procedures.
- Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices in mechanical design and manufacturing.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field; Master’s degree and/or polytechnic formation preferred.
- At least 3 years of professional engineering experience in mechanisms or industrial machine development.
- Experience in developing complex products, demonstrating technical excellence.
- Proficiency in French and English; German is a plus.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with SolidWorks (including PDM).
- Knowledge of finite element analysis for structural analysis.
- Strong understanding of mechanical principles, materials and manufacturing processes.
- Experience in a workshop environment.
- Experience with prototyping, testing and validation of mechanical components and systems.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail, with a focus on delivering high‑quality solutions.
- Knowledge of Swiss suppliers for mechanical parts and services.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with product development processes from concept to production.
- Good organizational skills, capable of working on several projects in parallel.
- Experience with at least one industry standard (e.g. CE, FDA, IEC, ECSS).
- Driving licence (category B recommended; category BE a plus).