Instrument Development Engineer (m/f/d)

Instrument Development Engineer (m/f/d) at LS Instruments AG LS Instruments AG, a spin‑off of the University of Fribourg, leads the market in optical characterization of nanoparticles and builds advanced scientific instruments for life‑science, food, personal‑care and other analytical fields. As an Instrument Development Engineer you will take charge of the mechanical, thermal and electronics engineering for new instruments, beginning with a space‑based light‑scattering module for the International Space Station and extending to the commercial product portfolio. Your daily work will involve creating mechanical and optomechanical designs such as optical bench layouts, kinematic mounts and sample‑positioning mechanisms, performing thermal analysis and designing sub‑degree temperature‑control systems, defining power distribution and signal‑routing architectures, managing mass, power and thermal budgets, and iterating prototypes together with optics and software colleagues. The role requires a Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, physics, optics or a closely related discipline, strong skills in 3D parametric CAD (SolidWorks), proven experience in scientific instrumentation or laboratory‑equipment development, a solid grasp of how optical, mechanical and electronic subsystems combine, fluent written and spoken English, and either Swiss/EU citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit. Additional expertise that would be valuable includes electronics design (power distribution, PCB layout, low‑noise signal conditioning), FEM simulation (structural or thermal), work with optics, photonics or laser‑based measurement systems, familiarity with space‑engineering standards (ECSS) or aerospace qualification processes, hands‑on prototyping (3D printing, CNC, soldering, lab assembly), and good command of French and/or German. The position is permanent, full‑time, offers flexible hours, modern facilities, excellent public‑transport links, nearby parking and a vibrant, startup‑rich neighbourhood. What the role asks for: - Graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in mechanical, mechatronics, physics, optics or related - Proficiency in 3D parametric CAD (SolidWorks) - Prior experience in scientific instrumentation or laboratory equipment development - Understanding of optical, mechanical and electronic subsystem integration - Good written and spoken English - Swiss/EU citizenship or valid work permit for Switzerland - Experience in electronics design (power distribution, PCB layout, low‑noise) (nice‑to‑have) - Experience in FEM simulation (structural or thermal) (nice‑to‑have) - Experience with optics, photonics or laser‑based measurement systems (nice‑to‑have) - Knowledge of space engineering standards (ECSS) or aerospace qualification (nice‑to‑have) - Hands‑on prototyping (3D printing, CNC, soldering, lab assembly) (nice‑to‑have) - Good command of French and/or German (nice‑to‑have)