Mechatronics Engineer (Robotic Systems & Hardware)

Mid-level Mechatronics Engineer needed by LAYERED GmbH in Lupfig to design, prototype, and maintain robotic systems for construction sites. The role focuses on hardware robustness and field deployment.

LAYERED GmbH is a Swiss construction robotics spin-off from ETH Zurich that develops autonomous mobile robots for surface finishing on active job sites. The company is expanding its hardware team to transition its research-grade robotic systems into robust, field-ready machines capable of frequent deployments. This position offers a hands-on role where the engineer will take full ownership of the mechanical and hardware platform, ensuring the robots are reliable, serviceable, and ready for real-world construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate mechanical components and assemblies for robotic platforms
• Conduct mechanical calculations and basic simulations to assess loads, moments, and structural stability
• Enhance system robustness, serviceability, and manufacturability
• Create rapid prototypes using additive manufacturing and standard workshop tools
• Manage and organize Bill of Materials (BOMs) containing hundreds of parts
• Identify improved, simpler, and cost-effective hardware solutions and suppliers
• Assemble, modify, and repair robotic systems within the lab
• Support the integration of electronics, sensors, actuators, and cable routing
• Collaborate with robotics software and control engineers to ensure seamless hardware–software integration
• Prepare robots for field deployment and assist in analyzing hardware issues post-operation
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workshop environment

Requirements

• Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related discipline
• Proven experience in mechanical design and CAD
• Strong grasp of mechanics and ability to perform engineering calculations (loads, moments, structural reasoning, stability)
• Hands-on experience building and assembling mechanical or robotic systems
• Experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing, machining, workshop tools)
• Comfortable managing large assemblies and structured BOMs
• Fluent in German and English
• Comfortable working in a hands-on startup environment where you build what you design
• Willing to work on-site with robots in industrial and construction-like environments
• Physically able to lift components and work on large mechanical assemblies
• Valid driving license (Switzerland or EU)
• Valid Swiss work permit or eligibility to work in Switzerland

Nice to have

• Experience working on mobile robots, industrial machines, or construction equipment
• Familiarity with electrical integration, wiring, or low-voltage systems
• Experience designing for outdoor or harsh environments
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (sheet metal, machining, composites, etc.)
• Experience improving serviceability and field repairability of machines

What the company offers

• Work on one of the most challenging real-world applications for robotics
• Be part of the transition from a single advanced prototype to a growing fleet of deployed construction robots
• A core role in a growing deep-tech company emerging from ETH Zurich
• Direct responsibility for shaping the physical robot platform
• Fast iteration cycles and direct impact on product performance
• A small, driven team where your work directly shapes the machine

About the company

LAYERED GmbH operates at the intersection of robotics, digital fabrication, and AI-driven planning. Emerging from ETH Zurich’s Gramazio Kohler Research, the company focuses on building autonomous mobile robots that handle surface finishing tasks directly on active construction sites. The team values practical problem-solving, durability, and real-world impact, keeping skilled craftspeople at the center of the process. The culture emphasizes hands-on building, quick iteration, and a tidy, well-organized workshop environment.

• The company values builders and hackers who enjoy figuring things out and making machines work
• Focus on durability, access for repair, transport, and real-world abuse beyond just CAD design
• Emphasis on a tidy, well-organized workshop environment
• Preference for candidates who enjoy the full lifecycle from design to prototype to assembled system
• Culture of practicality, curiosity, and hands-on problem solving
• Opportunity to see robots you helped build working on real construction sites