Mechanical Engineer - Prototyping Specialist (M/F)

INAUTALENT; Cluses; Sur place; EUR 45 000 - 65 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A pioneering organization in R&D in Cluses seeks a hands-on Mechanical Engineer and Prototyping Specialist to transform early-stage concepts into functioning prototypes. The role involves complete mechanical prototyping, design, fabrication, and testing. Candidates should have at least 3 years in mechanical design and strong skills in CAD software like Fusion 360, CNC machining, and 3D printing. The position offers competitive salary and significant opportunities for career development in a cutting-edge environment.

Prestations

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Performance-based bonuses

Access to advanced equipment

Rapid career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years post-graduation in mechanical design and hands-on manufacturing of prototypes.
• Strong background in innovation-driven environments.
• Full autonomy in programming and operating 5-axis CNC machining centers.

Responsabilités

• Translate research needs into mechanical concepts.
• Design and document parts and assemblies.
• Manufacture mechanical parts in-house.

Connaissances

3D CAD proficiency

Precision machining

FDM 3D printing

Workshop skills

Problem solving

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Outils

Fusion 360

CNC machining center

Manual mills and lathes

Description du poste

Location: Cluses, France

INAUTALENT is supporting the International Space Federation (ISF), a pioneering R&D organization based in Cluses (French Alps), in strengthening its team.

ISF is at the forefront of research on gravity‑control propulsion and quantum‑vacuum energy, aiming at clean and sustainable energy solutions. Through international academic partnerships, ISF pushes the boundaries of fundamental physics to transform energy production and transportation while addressing global ecological challenges.

The organization operates at the intersection of relativity and quantum mechanics, exploring technologies that could redefine our understanding of the universe. Its mission: turning bold scientific concepts into tangible technologies capable of changing the world.

Job Description

To accelerate its experimental developments, ISF is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer and Prototyping Specialist capable of independently transforming early‑stage concepts into fully functional, iterated hardware systems.

This role is suited for an engineer who designs, builds, tests, and refines mechanisms with their own hands — someone who thrives in a workshop environment and wants to see ideas come to life in real time.

You will own the complete mechanical prototyping cycle: concept exploration, 3D design, machining, additive manufacturing, assembly, testing, and iterative improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Concept Development

• Translate high‑level research needs into practical mechanical concepts
• Evaluate feasibility, challenge requirements, and propose simple, robust mechanical solutions
• Design parts and assemblies in 3D CAD (Fusion 360 preferred; FreeCAD acceptable)
• Produce detailed technical drawings and documentation. Perform light simulations (statics, kinematics, FEA basics) when needed

Hands‑On Prototyping & Fabrication

• Manufacture mechanical parts in‑house:
  • High‑performance FDM 3D printing (Bambu Lab systems)
  • Programming and operating a full 5‑axis CNC machining center (DMG Mori DMU 50)
  • Precision machining of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and engineering plastics
• Perform fitting, finishing, and manual adjustments (manual mills, lathes, hand tools)
• Assemble, test, measure, and iterate quickly toward prototype validation

Testing, Validation & Documentation

• Conduct performance tests on mechanical prototypes
• Analyze results, identify improvements, and iterate efficiently
• Document design decisions, prototype builds, testing protocols, and outcomes

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with physicists, experimental researchers, and electronics/RF teams
• Support ongoing experiments by providing custom mechanical hardware
• Participate in exploratory research projects connecting advanced physics with practical mechanisms

Requirements

Mechanical Engineering Expertise

• Minimum 3 years post‑graduation in mechanical design AND hands‑on manufacturing of prototypes
• Strong background in innovation‑driven environments: robotics, motorsport, special machines, R&D labs, or advanced maker culture

Must‑Have Technical Skills

• Advanced 3D CAD proficiency (Fusion 360 strongly preferred)
• Full autonomy in programming and operating simultaneous 5‑axis CNC machining centers
• Precision machining of metals with tight tolerances
• High‑level FDM 3D printing (Bambu Lab) including profile optimization
• Extensive workshop skills: milling, turning, fitting, hand tools, and metrology (micrometers, calipers, height gauges)
• Ability to read, create, and apply functional tolerancing and GD&T standards

Personal Attributes

• A true "maker‑engineer" mindset: you design and build
• Strong pragmatism and problem‑solving approach ("make it work, make it strong")
• Organized, safety‑driven, and meticulous in workshop environments
• Clear communicator with the ability to justify technical choices
• Curious, proactive, and passionate about learning new techniques

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health insurance fully covered (employee + children)
• Performance‑based bonuses
• Access to top‑tier equipment (new DMU 50, multiple Bambu Lab X1C, fully equipped workshop)
• Significant opportunities for rapid career development (lead mechanical engineer, product industrialization, project management)
• The chance to build world‑first experimental devices based on groundbreaking physics concepts