Senior Engineer/Senior R&D Specialist Systems Innovation

Nestlé; Orbe; On-site; CHF 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé NPTC seeks a Senior Engineer/Senior R&D Specialist Systems Innovation to lead early-stage research for new coffee systems. You’ll drive ideas from concept to pre-development, shaping machines, capsules, and preparation methods for global consumers.

You’ll collaborate with Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto teams, operations, and universities, exploring microengineering, mechatronics, and connected products to advance beverage experiences enjoyed worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience in machine design and system performance for beverage systems.
• Strong background in embedded hardware/software and connected devices.
• Prototyping, testing, and rapid exploration of new concepts.
• Ability to collaborate across functions, suppliers, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects and early-stage innovation for next-gen coffee systems.
• Develop technical components and subsystems to support future beverages.
• Identify trends, competitor moves and consumer insights to shape pipelines.
• Turn ideas into prototypes and validate new machine, capsule, or prep methods.
• Coordinate internal and external partners to meet timelines, budget, and quality.

Skills

Machine design

System performance

Embedded systems

Prototyping

Cross-functional collaboration

CAD

Signal processing

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Location: Orbe, Switzerland

Work model: Full time

Contract type / duration: Permanent

Deadline for applications: 7th August 2026

Be a force for good and grow through experiences that push you further.

As a Senior Engineer/Senior R&D Specialist Systems Innovation at Nestlé NPTC, your mission is to lead research and early-stage innovation for new coffee systems, from idea generation and concept design to pre-development and know-how transfer. A coffee system combines the machine, the beverage ingredients (e.g., capsule, pod, or sachet), and the preparation process to create a unique consumer experience.

You’ll work closely with business partners, primarily Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto, as well as operations, research and development teams, suppliers, universities, and technology partners. Whether your passion is microengineering, mechatronics, machine design, or connected products, you will have the opportunity to explore new technologies, turn ideas into prototypes, grow your expertise, and help shape the next generation of coffee experiences enjoyed by millions of consumers around the world.

How you’ll make an impact as a Senior Engineer/Senior R&D Specialist Systems Innovation

• Leading research projects and early-stage innovation behind the next generation of Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto systems.
• Driving the development of technical components, subsystems and system building blocks that support future beverage experiences.
• Identifying technology trends, competitor developments and consumer insights to shape a strong innovation pipeline.
• Turn ideas into reality through rapid prototyping, testing, experimentation, and technology exploration, and validate new solutions for machines, capsules, products and preparation methods.
• Coordinating internal and external partners to deliver projects on time, within budget and in line with quality, safety and compliance expectations.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bringing strong expertise in machine design, system performance, machine intelligence, components, materials and quality by design.
• Bringing strong expertise in embedded systems (hardware and software development), inter-connected devices, signal processing and data acquisition for systems.
• Using prototyping (in mechanics and electronics), computer-aided design, simulations and testing methods to create, assess and refine innovative technical concepts.
• Collaborating with confidence across functions, suppliers and business partners while managing priorities, timelines, risks and project costs.
• Demonstrating courage, collaboration, speed and continuous learning.

What To Expect From Our Hiring Process

We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The hiring process typically includes a video interview with Talent Acquisition, an interview with the hiring team, and a final discussion and offer. We review applications as they are received and close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates is identified, so we encourage you to apply early. All information is treated confidentially.

Ready to grow with us?