Principal Design Engineer - Mechanical Equipment (80-100%)

Climeworks is seeking a Principal Design Engineer – Mechanical Equipment to provide technical leadership in turning concepts into robust, scalable industrial equipment. The role sits at the heart of the company’s engineering effort, guiding the industrialisation of mechanical components and systems that support its climate‑focused mission. In practice the engineer will spearhead the creation and optimisation of product designs using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, producing integrated assemblies and detailed manufacturing drawings. Responsibilities include guaranteeing that products meet the development plan’s technical readiness, collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams, mentoring junior engineers, and coordinating external design partners. The position also carries ownership of technical documentation, reviewing and approving drawings and bills of materials, leading design‑review sessions, and ensuring compliance with internal and industry standards. Additionally, the engineer will define validation units, oversee prototype fabrication, take part in testing, and translate test outcomes into product improvements. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and bring more than twelve years of experience designing mechanical parts for industrial machinery. Required expertise covers metal and sheet‑metal design, deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, DFMA, material selection, and regulatory compliance. Proficiency in CAD, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and the ability to produce high‑quality technical drawings are essential, as is fluency in English and a proven record of mentoring and problem‑solving. The role offers a hybrid arrangement based in Opfikon, Zurich, with a requirement to be onsite at least three days per week and the option to work remotely up to four weeks per year within the EU. Employees benefit from 25 days of paid vacation, flexible full‑ or part‑time hours, an equity component, inclusive parental leave, a professional‑development budget, and referral bonuses, all within a culture that values diversity and continuous technical growth.