Responsible for the mechanical design and integration of the tunnel boring machine.
Overview
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will design the mechanical components and assemblies of our new-generation Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) — successor to the award-winning Groundhog Gamma. You’ll work on the cutterhead, drive train, frame, and steering hardware, taking parts from concept sketches through CAD, simulation, manufacturing, and assembly. You’ll be a driving force on Swissloop Tunneling’s (SLT) mechanical team to deliver a machine that can dig fast, dig straight, and survive the test track.
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
- Design mechanical components and assemblies in CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
- Iterate on concepts through sketching, prototyping, and FEA where helpful.
- Coordinate with manufacturing partners and team members on tolerances, materials, and assembly.
- Integrate your subsystem with the electrical, hydraulic, and control systems.
- Support assembly, testing, and competition runs of the machine.
- Document drawings, BOMs, and assembly instructions for the rest of the team.
- Attend weekly meetings and working sessions and contribute to the association’s culture.
Qualifications & Skills
- Background or interest in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, product design, or similar.
- Some experience with at least one CAD tool — formal coursework, hobby projects, or maker work all count.
- Curiosity about FEA, machine design, or manufacturing processes; willingness to learn.
- Hands-on instinct: comfortable in a workshop, with hand tools, and around prototypes.
- Strong communication and organizational skills; attention to detail.
- Self-initiative for rapid problem-solving and a calm head when designs need to change fast.
- 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.