Senior Project Engineer / Senior Project Engineeress

Senior Project Engineer - Research Development & Coordination (Team Lead Track)

80%-100%, Lugano, permanent

inspire AG is Switzerland's leading competence center for product innovation and advanced manufacturing. As a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, our mission is to transfer knowledge and technology from academic research into the Swiss mechanical, electrical, and metal industries.

Project Background

Our research group focuses on the development of AI algorithms for industrial applications. The main scope of our activities is the optimization and automation of workflows and production systems. Within this field, we continuously develop and adopt various algorithms for multiple applications, such as automating quality control, detecting process deviations, and predicting the resulting product quality of production systems.

We operate in a fast-moving, dynamic environment, seeking a solution-oriented and highly motivated individual who pairs technical depth with a can-do attitude to identify and resolve real industrial challenges. This is a project-oriented position bridging applied research and industrial implementation. The role combines hands-on technical delivery with the gradual build-up of project acquisition and coordination. You will own initiatives end to end, from spotting opportunities and shaping consortia to winning funding and delivering technical work within multi-year industrial and publicly funded programs.

Job Description

• Deliver technical project work in AI, automation, and predictive quality for industrial applications.
• Coordinate industry and grant projects, both technically and organizationally.
• Acquire new projects and develop the pipeline of project ideas from concept to launch.
• Design, execute, and coordinate pre-studies and feasibility work.
• Prepare industry offers and grant proposals.
• Build collaboration opportunities with other research groups and partners.
• Provide organizational support to the group head.

Profile

• A PhD in engineering with a focus on industrial applications.
• A proven track record in AI and strong proficiency in Python.
• At least 3 years of experience in applied research or industrial R&D.
• A proactive, self-driven working style with a strong sense of ownership and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong intrinsic motivation to continuously learn and develop new skills.
• A highly structured, well-organized, and solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent English, plus fluency in at least one of German, Italian, or French; a further national language is an advantage.
• CH/EU/EFTA citizenship or a valid Swiss work permit.

Workplace

Your workplace will be in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and professional growth.

We Offer

• Full-time position at the forefront of AI for manufacturing, with the prospect of a team leadership role.
• Exciting topics and projects spanning academia and industry.
• A flexible working culture with self-organized job execution.
• Close cooperation with our project partners and the chance to build your own network.
• Participation in conferences, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Guidance and internal training from experienced professionals to support your growth.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For technical questions, please contact Daniel Knüttel, Head of Intelligent Production Systems (daniel.knuettel@inspire.ch).