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

Immigration Policy Lab
Immigration Policy Lab

lugano, switzerland

Posted on Jul 23, 2026

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 are continuously developing and adopting various algorithms for multiple applications such as automating quality control, detecting process deviations and finally predicting the resulting product quality of the production systems.

We are working in a fast moving and dynamic environment, where we are looking for a solution oriented and highly motivated curious mind, who pairs technical depth with a can-do attitude to identify and resolve problems of real industrial relevance.

This is a highly project-oriented position at the interface between 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 an opportunity and shaping the consortium to winning the funding and delivering the technical work, within multi-year industrial and publicly funded programmes.

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 (e.g. Innosuisse, Eurostars)
  • 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 (making things happen rather than waiting for direction)
  • 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

Workplace




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 a 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.

Please send your full application (cover letter, transcripts, CV, references) with reference ”Senior Project Engineer"

Research Development & Coordination” to our HR department (hr@inspire.ch).

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