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

Climeworks seeks a Principal Design Engineer - Mechanical Equipment to lead the industrialization of mechanical systems, transforming concepts into robust, reliable industrial products. Based in Opfikon, Zurich, this full-time hybrid role requires 12+ years of experience in mechanical design for industrial machinery and expertise in CAD, DFMA, and regulatory compliance.

This role provides technical leadership in turning mechanical concepts into fully industrialized, reliable equipment. The engineer will guide the design and development of integrated systems, ensuring robustness, manufacturability, and compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the industrialization of mechanical components and systems, turning concepts into durable, integrated industrial products.
• Design and optimize product systems using CAD tools like SolidWorks, producing component assemblies and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams as the go-to expert for mechanical design, integration, and manufacturability.
• Guide junior engineers and support technical decision-making across projects.
• Ensure design accuracy and completeness from initial specs to final manufacturing documents and bills of materials, adhering to internal and industry standards.
• Approve all technical product documentation, including engineering drawings and bills of materials.
• Define validation units, oversee their fabrication, and participate in testing to incorporate findings into product improvements.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Have 12 or more years of experience designing mechanical components for industrial machinery.
• Possess expert-level knowledge in engineering fundamentals and complex system development.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in metal and sheet metal design, with deep understanding of manufacturing processes, DFMA, material selection, and regulatory compliance.
• Be proficient in CAD tools for mechanical design and in creating detailed, high-quality technical drawings.
• Have experience applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and understanding related manufacturing processes.
• Show strong attention to detail, organizational ability, and a passion for creative, problem-solving engineering.
• Communicate effectively in English and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

What the company offers

• 25 paid vacation days annually, plus public holidays.
• Hybrid work model with up to 4 weeks of remote work per year within any EU country.
• Fair base salary complemented by an equity package.
• Inclusive parental leave policy.
• Dedicated budget for professional development and growth.
• Referral rewards for successful candidate referrals.

About the company

Climeworks is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued. The company welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and is united in addressing one of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

• Inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• Open to applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Shared mission to address a critical global challenge.