AIT Mechanical Engineer

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies,  evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for  high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to  recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom  satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.

HummingSat is the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in  collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows  telecommunications operators to deploy a cost-efficient, compact, and  agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has  been selected by Intelsat to build the I-45 satellite, by Inmarsat to  build three I-8 satellites, and recently by Astrum Mobile to build the  NEASTAR-1 satellite.

SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of  Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems for satellite  communication and remote sensing applications. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to  deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF  products.
This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the mechanical integration of flight hardware and subsystems on a next-generation GEO telecommunications satellite. As an AIT Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for the preparation, execution, and continuous improvement of mechanical integration activities, working closely with technicians, system engineers, design office teams and AIT Managers. You will ensure that payload mechanical assemblies are performed to the highest standards of precision, traceability, and cleanliness while supporting troubleshooting and contributing feedback for design and process optimization.

Responsibilities

Integration preparation

· Analyze CAD models, mechanical drawings, user manuals and bill of materials to prepare integration documentation and hardware kits.

· Define mechanical integration steps and procedures in alignment with the overall AIT plan.

· Prepare work instructions, torque tables, tool lists, and cleanliness requirements.

· Coordinate with logistics and quality to ensure hardware availability and traceability.

Mechanical Assembly Execution Support

· Focus on deployable systems (Antennas, Solar Arrays, Thruster Pointing Mechanisms ...).

· Support mechanical technicians during integration of Mock Up, Flight Hardware and MGSE.

· Ensure compliance with assembly procedures, torque specs, and cleanliness standards.

· Perform visual inspections and coordinate measurements, alignments, or fit-checks as needed.

· Document integration steps and deviations in appropriate tools (ERP, PLM, NCRs, etc.)

Troubleshooting & Agile Response

· Actively support resolution of mechanical anomalies during integration, rework, or functional testing, according to the process.

· Propose and implement fixes in coordination with the AIT Manager and Design Office.

· Track recurring issues and participate in root cause analysis.

Documentation & Configuration Control

· Maintain integration documentation including work instructions, as-built records, activity logs and deviation logs.

· Provide feedback to improve process, procedures, tooling, and spacecraft design for mechanical integration.

· Support the preparation of review documentation for PDR, CDR, and manufacturing readiness at subsystem level, at spacecraft level and for MGSEs.

· Support the preparation of AIT reviews such as IRR.

Interfaces

· AIT Mechanical Technicians – for integration task execution and technical guidance.

· AIT Managers – for schedule alignment, prioritization and issue escalation.

· AIV Manager – for Validation and Test Specifications.

· Design Office (Mechanical Engineering) – for design clarification, technical documentation, feedback, and NCR resolution.

· AIT System Engineer – for integration flow coordination, project milestone (PDR, CDR) and test specifications.

· Quality Control and Product Assurance – for inspections and configuration compliance.

· Logistics – for hardware availability and cleanroom inventory.

Requirements

· Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience.

· 3+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical assembly and integration of space systems or high-reliability mechanical assemblies.

· Familiarity with cleanroom environments, MGSE, torque tools, bonding, and precision assembly techniques.

· Understanding of space-grade mechanical hardware, fasteners, and structural elements.

· Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, BoMs, and work instructions.

· Proven experience in anomaly resolution and test campaign execution.

· Experience working with ERP and PLM systems.

· Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

· Fluent in English; French is a plus

Benefits

Further details to be shared by our recruitment team.

Working conditions and contract: 
SWISSto12 offers a full-time contract. This is an onsite position, based in  Lausanne (Renens), Switzerland and will require frequent travels to  visit external partners and stakeholders as well as between our various  office locations in Switzerland and Europe.

More about SWISSto12:

SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Intelsat, Inmarsat, Astrum  Mobile and ESA for HummingSat as well as contracts for their RF product  line in Europe, and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SES and the ESA. SWISSto12  is a spin off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European  Investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and  operates a US and European-subsidiariesy in Foster City California. The  company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.