Responsible for the high/low-power electronics and the PLC system of the tunnel boring machine.
Overview
As an Electrical Engineer, you will own the electronics of our new-generation Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) — successor to the award-winning Groundhog Gamma. The electronics system comprises a wide range of sensors, transmitters, and communication devices that, together with the software control loops, allow us to push toward a fully autonomous machine. You’ll be a driving force on Swissloop Tunneling’s (SLT) electrical team to develop innovative engineering solutions.
The following requirements outline the optimal profile for this position. All of them can be learned or extended throughout your experience within the team — we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every criterion. Your reliability, commitment, and passion for innovation are the traits we value most.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and improve the MTBM’s Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system.
- Develop and improve the MTBM’s low- and high-power systems.
- Familiarize yourself with the existing electrical architecture and propose a new system.
- Support other subsystems’ engineers with electrical expertise.
- Lead electrical troubleshooting during testing and competitions.
- Help out with small electrical tasks across the project.
- Attend weekly meetings and working sessions and contribute to the association’s culture.
Qualifications & Skills
- Background or interest in electrical engineering, electronics, mechatronics, or similar.
- Basics in programming (C++ and/or Python preferred) — or willingness to pick them up.
- Some hands-on experience with electronics, prototyping, or measurement instruments is a plus.
- Exposure to PLCs/DCSs or industrial communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN) is a plus.
- Strong communication and organizational skills; calm under pressure.
- Acute attention to detail and self-initiative for rapid problem-solving.
- Passion for tunneling and applied research.
Benefits
- Meet skilled, highly motivated people and build long-lasting relationships beyond the association.
- Sharpen technical and decision-making skills on a real machine; option to integrate your contribution into a semester or research thesis.
- Exchange with experts from research and industry across the project’s partner network.
Workload
Expected workload is around 10–12 hours per week, with approximately one to two hours of meetings and the rest individual or group work. You will attend the team’s working session on the weekly meeting day for around three to five hours. The remaining time is at your discretion.
Workplaces
We provide offices and workspaces in Zürich at ETH’s Student Project House (SPH) and in Dübendorf. From day one you can work independently and take responsibility for your duties and deliverables. During weekly meetings and team working sessions you must physically attend at Empa or justify your absence to your team lead.
Application
Apply by sending an email to apply@swisslooptunneling.ch or by filling out the form on our website https://swisslooptunneling.ch/join-us/ with the following:
- Your CV
- Motivation for applying and position of interest
Application deadline is the 7th of June 2026!
Please note that SLT is a voluntary research organization and does not offer any paid employment.