Principal Design Engineer - Mechanical Equipment (80-100%)

About Climeworks Climeworks is a leading high‑quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a holistic approach to carbon removal solutions. Climeworks advises companies on their carbon removal strategies and provides tailored portfolios of nature‑based and engineered approaches, offering end‑to‑end services to help achieve net‑zero goals. The company runs the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating its core commitment to high‑quality carbon removal that is backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment. By advancing the most reliable solutions in the market, Climeworks accelerates the global transition to net zero, unlocking economic value for businesses, governments, and society. We foster a dynamic environment and are building a global purpose‑driven team, looking for disruptive thinkers, passionate achievers, and inspiring leaders ready to take on the world’s greatest challenge. Job description Engineering Solutions: Provide technical leadership and expertise in the industrialization of mechanical components and systems, transforming concepts into integrated, robust, and reliable industrial equipment products. Deliver innovative engineering solutions that ensure proper validation and enable scalable, high‑quality manufacturing and serial production. Product Design CAD: Technically lead, create, and optimize product designs using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) to develop integrated systems, component assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings. Ensure full technical readiness of the products according to the development plan. Cross‑Functional Collaboration and Leadership: Work closely with cross‑functional teams and act as the expert for mechanical design, component integration, and manufacturability. Mentor less experienced engineers, provide technical guidance in decision‑making, and manage external design resources to ensure efficient integration into the development process. Quality Assurance Technical Readiness: Ensure the technical correctness and completeness of the design, from specifications to manufacturing drawings and bills of materials, with a strong focus on compliance with organizational and industrial standards. Approval of Technical Documentation: Take full ownership as the approval authority for technical product documentation. Review and approve engineering drawings and corresponding bills of materials. Lead design review presentations and uphold high standards to ensure accurate, traceable, and audit‑ready development documentation that supports compliance and continuous product improvement. Prototype Development Testing: Define validation units, coordinate their fabrication, and participate in testing activities. Ensure that all test findings are transferred into product improvements. Qualifications Education Engineering Expertise: Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and bring deep, expert‑level expertise in engineering fundamentals and complex system development. Advanced Mechanical Engineering Application: Proven ability to apply advanced engineering principles, development methodologies, and analytical techniques to the design of large industrial equipment components. Mechanical Design Manufacturing Knowledge: With 12+ years designing mechanical components for industrial machinery, bring expert metal and sheet‑metal design skills, strong knowledge of key manufacturing processes, and proficiency in DFMA, material selection, and regulatory compliance with internal and industrial standards. CAD Proficiency Technical Skills: Proficient in designing mechanical components using CAD and in creating high‑quality technical drawings. Experienced in applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing chains and understanding the corresponding manufacturing processes. Attention to Detail Problem‑Solving: Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for problem‑solving and creative engineering. Communication Teamwork: Communicate effectively in English, collaborate confidently with cross‑functional teams, and enjoy mentoring and guiding less experienced engineers. Contribute to a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement while actively expanding one’s expertise and advancing an engineering career. Our promise At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together. What We Offer Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays. Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country. Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package – because your contributions matter. Family Support: Inclusive parental leave. Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth. Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals. Salary At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team. Formalities This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week. The percentage in the job title means flexibility – choose full‑time or part‑time based on what works for you. We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies. #J-18808-Ljbffr