Responsible for design, prototyping, production, build, and testing of a subsystem
Overview
A Mechanical Technical Lead at Swissloop Tunneling (SLT) is responsible for designing, prototyping, producing, building, and testing a subsystem of our Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM). A technical lead is the driving force within the subsystem team. The tech lead’s primary mission is to plan, organize, and oversee the subsystem team and execute the goals set by them and the Head of Mechanical & Civil Engineering. As an operative team member, the technical lead oversees the subteam’s proceedings and day-to-day activities and actively participates in the weekly tech-lead meetings.
The following requirements outline the optimal parameters we seek for this position. However, all of them can be learned or extended throughout your experience within the team. We encourage you to submit your application even if you don’t meet all the criteria. Your reliability, commitment, and passion for innovation are the most valuable traits we look for.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- We are looking for the following mechanical subsystem leads:
- Erosion: The Erosion subsystem is a critical subsystem that excavates, transports, and disposes of soil. Components that fall into the tech lead’s responsibility include the hydraulic motor and gearbox, custom-made high-load bearings, steel structure, cutting head, slurry pump and transporting system, water and air cycle, settlement tank, etc.
- Tunnel Lining: The Tunnel Lining subsystem is our most innovative subsystem. Using thermoplastic, it “3D prints “the tunnel support structure continuously. Components that fall into the tech lead’s responsibility include Heating and multiple cooling systems, a pneumatic polymer transport system, a steel structure including polymer forming molds, hose and cable protection, external cooling aggregate, compressor, and pneumatic rig, etc.
- Propulsion: The Propulsion subsystem is a crucial subsystem that propels the machine forward continuously using an intricate control system to regulate hydraulic cylinders. Components that fall into the tech lead’s responsibility include Hydraulic cylinders and their arrangement, placement of sensors, steel structure and glide bearings for the cylinder construction, gripper plates to hold onto the tunnel lining, etc.
- Infrastructure: The Infrastructure subsystem is a diverse subsystem that must support all other subsystems of the TBM. Components that fall into the tech lead’s responsibility include the TBM starting platform, Hydraulic Pump Unit (HPU), all external hose and cable organization, and Steel support structure holding a 600kg bag 3 meters above ground.
- Learn about previous subsystem iterations and industry solutions. The technical lead must understand these systems’ shortcomings and plan how to overcome and avoid them in the future.
- Set goals together with the Head of Mechanical & Civil Engineering and execute them according to the timeline: The subsystem’s process needs to be structured. To ensure this happens, we use the principle of Objectives and Key results. Using these as a guideline, the technical lead develops a timeline and ensures the team’s progress follows these deadlines.
- Plan and oversee the technical development of the subsystem: The technical lead is responsible for the technical development of the subsystem. Together with their subteam, the lead discusses, decides, and executes technical decisions. The Head of Mechanical & Civil Engineering helps the tech-lead to ensure the integration of the subsystem with all other subsystems.
- Conduct tests to ensure the subsystem works reliably. To test effectively, the tech lead first plans all tests using detailed protocols. Together with his subteam and selected members of other subteams, the tests are conducted, data collected, and afterward analyzed. The results of these tests help us better understand the subsystem and how to improve it.
- Lead and moderate weekly subteam meetings: Each subteam meets once a week to update the technical lead on the progress made this week. The technical lead informs their subteam of the happenings in other subteams. Discussions are held after the meeting, only with necessary members, to avoid long meetings.
- Actively communicate with and participate in the weekly technical lead meetings.
- Work with third-party partners to find solutions and produce parts.
- Actively contribute to building the association’s culture.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Outstanding Communication and organizational skills
- High availability, commitment to the association’s cause
- Aptitude and self-initiative for rapid decision-making and problem-solving
- Nurture a passion for tunneling and scientific research
- Able to maintain calm when faced with difficulties
- Attention to detail
- Fast learner and willing to participate in the knowledge transfer process
- Studying Mechanical or Process Engineering (or equivalent background)
- Knowledge in the production of components (e.g., welding, milling, laser cutting)
- Having experience in manual work and being handy with tools is recommended
- Prepared to work professionally with industry partners and willing to adhere to the team’s standards
- Fluent in English
- Previous experience as a team lead for projects of similar size (e.g., Aris, Swissloop, Celsius, AMZ, etc.) is welcome
Benefits
- You will be able to meet several other skilled and highly motivated individuals and build long-lasting relationships that can endure outside of the association
- You will get the opportunity to meet and exchange with experts in the industry
- You will get the opportunity to participate in Elon Musk’s competition, the Not-A-Boring-Competition, in the Spring of 2025 and exchange with engineers from The Boring Company
- You will learn about all systems of a TBM, gain more experience in project management, apply your field-specific knowledge, work with various tools and equipment
- You will get the opportunity to meet and exchange with experts from various industries
- Your contribution will have a long-lasting impact on the development of the association
Workload
The expected workload is estimated to be around 10 to 16 hours per week, with approximately two to three hours dedicated to meetings and the rest to individual or group work. Depending on the week, you will either attend the subteam’s working or testing sessions for around three to five hours or dedicate time at your discretion to planning, discussions, and ensuring the technical development of your subsystem.
Workplaces
We provide an office and workplace in Zürich at ETH’s Student Project House (SPH) and EMPA in Dübendorf. From day one, you will work independently and take responsibility for your duties and deliverables. During weekly meetings and working sessions, you must physically attend at SPH or EMPA.
Application
Apply to the team by sending an email to apply@swisslooptunneling.ch or by filling out the form on our website https://swisslooptunneling.ch/join-us/ containing the following information:
- Your CV
- Motivation for applying and position of interest
Please note that SLT is a voluntary research organization and does not offer any paid employment.