Hybrid Automation Engineer

at Destinus

• Job title: Automation Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Payerne, Switzerland

About the role

• Automation Engineer developing automation solutions for aerospace components at Destinus. Focusing on R&D and production collaboration with hands-on machine design and programming.

Responsibilities

• Develop, build, and support automation solutions spanning R&D through in-house production of rocket motor and pyrotechnic components
• Design and develop machines and automated setups from the initial concept to the full integration of automation components (servo motors, cobots, PLCs, sensors, etc.)
• Build and test prototypes, iterate based on results, and drive solutions toward production readiness
• Support the maturation and transfer of R&D automation setups into reliable, repeatable manufacturing processes
• Program and integrate collaborative robots (cobots)
• Work closely with propulsion engineers, production teams, and safety specialists to ensure automation solutions meet performance, quality, and safety requirements
• Maintain technical documentation for machines, control systems, and automation procedures
• Contribute to continuous improvement of production processes through automation and digitalization

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering, or a related field – or equivalent training as an automation technician with a follow-on degree (HF/FH)
• 3–5 years of experience in automation engineering, ideally in a manufacturing or R&D environment
• Experience with electrical work including control cabinets, wiring diagrams and safety
• Hands-on experience designing and building machines or automated setups, from concept through commissioning
• Proficiency in PLC programming in structured text and industrial control systems (e.g. Codesys)
• Proficiency in integrating automation components: servo drives, pneumatics, sensors, and control systems
• Experience with cobot programming, ideally Universal Robots (UR) and Polyscope 5 or similar platforms
• Nice to have:experience with industrial robot arms (e.g. KUKA, Fanuc, or ABB) is a further plus
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards and relevant regulations – including CE machinery directive, SUVA requirements, and where applicable, ATEX or pyrotechnics-specific safety frameworks
• Structured, hands-on working style with a strong sense of ownership from prototype to production
• Good communication skills and comfort working in a cross-functional, fast-moving team
• Understanding of mechanical design principles; experience with CAD tools (e.g. Siemens NX, or similar) is an advantage
• Willingness to travel to different Destinus sites in Switzerland (max. 20%)