European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) 
Heidelberg, Germany Sintesi dell’opportunità
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer for a 3‑year renewable contract (up to 9 years). The role involves designing, simulating, and testing mechanical components for advanced scientific instruments, coordinating manufacturing with workshops and suppliers, and integrating mechanical and electrical parts. Candidates should hold a mechanical engineering degree, have strong CAD (SolidWorks) and simulation skills, experience with prototype assembly, and knowledge of manufacturing methods. Fluency in English (C1) is required; German (B2) is a plus. The position offers a tax‑free salary starting at €4,147.92 net per month, comprehensive benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
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Descrizione del progetto
Your role
As our Mechanical Design Engineer, you will contribute to the design, development and continuous support & improvement of state-of-the-art scientific instruments and prototype devices within the Scientific Instrumentation Workshops (SIW). Working closely with researchers across EMBL, engineers, machinists and technicians, you will create production-ready mechanical designs, coordinate component manufacture and support the successful delivery of scientific instrumentation. Operating with a high level of autonomy, you will contribute to organisational objectives through technical expertise, effective collaboration and timely delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.
Your Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for advanced scientific instrumentation.
Analyse mechanical performance of designed components and assemblies using modelling and simulation tools to ensure technical requirements are met.
Lead mechanical design reviews with researchers and project stakeholders to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with project objectives.
Coordinate the manufacture of mechanical components with the Scientific Instrument Workshops and external suppliers
Develop and maintain effective relationships with external suppliers to support the timely procurement of specialty components and engineering solutions.
Test completed components and assemblies for compliance with design specifications, quality standards and performance requirements.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to integrate mechanical and electrical components into completed scientific instrument.
Deliver completed assemblies and provide technical support throughout testing, implementation and continuous improvement activities.
Your Capabilities
You build productive relationships across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the achievement of shared scientific and engineering objectives.
You communicate complex technical information effectively, tailoring messages to researchers, engineers, workshop staff and other stakeholders.
You exercise professional judgement, work with a high degree of autonomy and take responsibility for delivering high-quality outcomes.
Problem Solving: You apply critical thinking to complex technical challenges, evaluate alternative solutions and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
You respond positively to changing project requirements and priorities, demonstrate curiosity to learn new technologies and rapidly develop new knowledge and skills to support evolving project needs.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
You have
Undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in mechanical engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Strong experience with CAD software (ideally Solidworks) for design and simulation
Demonstrated experience designing, assembling and testing prototype instruments
Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing methods and material selection including metals, polymers, ceramics etc.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.
Excellent technical communication skills in English (C1).
You may also have
Experience with PDM
Experience in any of the following fields of mechanical design: precision mechanisms,
Hands-on experience manufacturing parts using both conventional machining techniques (e.g. milling and turning) and digital manufacturing technologies (e.g. 3D printers and laser cutting).
Knowledge of analytical and/or simulation tools to assess fluid flow and heat transfer in complex assemblies
Experience managing CAD environments and supporting colleagues in the application of engineering design best practices
Strong technical communication skills in German (B2)
** Don’t meet every single requirement? We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. We'd love to hear from you.
This role welcomes candidates with different levels of experience and seniority.
Contract length: 3 years (renewable to a maximum of 9 years)
Salary: Grade 5 or 6; depending on qualifications and experience (monthly salary starting from 4.147,92 EUR net of tax, excluding health insurance and pension contributions, plus additional EMBL benefits)
Why join us
EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.
We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
What else you need to know
Closing Date
18/09/2026
Contatto accademico
I dettagli di contatto non sono stati forniti dalla fonte ufficiale.
Last Update
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
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