Project Engineer / Project Engineeress - Additive Manufacturing of Plastics

Project Engineer - Additive Manufacturing of Plastics

80%-100%, Zurich, permanent

Inspire AG is the leading Swiss competence center for product innovation and advanced manufacturing. As a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, our mission is to transfer knowledge and technology from research to the Swiss machine, electrical, and metal industries.

The research group in additive manufacturing at Inspire, in collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Lab (amlz) at ETH Zurich, is currently offering a position in the field of additive manufacturing.

Project Background

Our team develops advanced materials and sustainable processing strategies for polymer and ceramic additive manufacturing. One focus area involves energy-efficient production routes and enhancing the reliability and quality of laser powder bed fusion (PBF) for plastic components.

Job Description

We are seeking a Project Engineer to lead a new R&D project aimed at increasing the efficiency of feedstock production and overall reduction of energy consumption in powder-based AM processes. The role encompasses material development, testing and evaluation, coordination with industrial partners, and contributing to long-term research planning within the group.

Your Tasks

• Lead a multi-year project on energy-reduction strategies in PBF of plastics (complete process chain).
• Develop and test new materials, additives, and processing strategies, including the printing and testing of parts.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments (including Design of Experiments) with thorough documentation.
• Characterize powders and printed parts (thermal analysis, flowability, properties & fatigue).
• Coordinate with industrial and academic partners (ETH) and facilitate technology transfer.
• Prepare proposals, publications, and conference abstracts, including a PhD proposal.
• Supervise students at bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Profile

Required Experience

• CH/EU/EFTA citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland.
• Project experience, preferably within industry.
• Master’s degree in materials, additive manufacturing, polymer engineering, chemistry, or related fields.
• Experience with polymers, additives, fatigue/durability testing, and additive manufacturing.
• Background in powder bed fusion of plastics is preferred.
• Skills in material characterization (microscopy, mechanical testing, DSC, rheology).
• Excellent command of English; proficiency in German is beneficial.
• Experience in proposal or publication writing is an advantage.

Required People Skills

• Highly self-organized and structured approach to work with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong motivation to learn and contribute to new research topics.
• High level of teamwork, a positive work attitude, and creativity.

Workplace

Your workplace will be in an innovative and dynamic environment located in Zurich, providing opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

We Offer

We provide a full-time position with opportunities for academic advancement, including the option to pursue a PhD thesis at ETH. By working closely with our project partners, you will establish valuable industry contacts and engage in cutting-edge research in multi-material additive manufacturing.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For technical inquiries, please contact Dr. Daniel Werner, Head of Additive Manufacturing Inspire-St.Gallen, at daniel.werner@inspire.ch. Also, feel free to visit our websites: Inspire and Advanced Manufacturing.