Overview
Job Description
SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.
This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development, qualification, and control of chemical and surface treatment processes for high-performance RF components used in the space industry.
The Engineer will collaborate with our in-house production team and external vendors to ensure robust, repeatable, and compliant manufacturing processes. In addition, the Engineer will work closely with our in-house chemical expert on R&D initiatives. The role also includes the qualification and technical oversight of external suppliers, ensuring that both internal and outsourced chemical treatments meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability required for space applications.
Role Context
Job Description
SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space. HummingSat is the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows telecommunications operators to deploy a cost-efficient, compact, and agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has been selected by Intelsat to build the I-45 satellite, by Inmarsat to build three I-8 satellites, and recently by Astrum Mobile to build the NEASTAR-1 satellite. SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems for satellite communication and remote sensing applications. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products.
Responsibilities
* Process Qualification & Control
o Qualify and control in-house chemical processes (etching, plating, passivation, conversion coatings, painting).
o Define process parameters, control plans, and acceptance criteria; use these to drive SPC-based process control and repeatability.
o Troubleshoot and resolve process deviations, ensuring compliance with space industry standards (e.g., ESA, NASA, ECSS, MIL).
* Supplier Management
o Evaluate and qualify new suppliers for chemical and surface treatment processes.
o Perform process audits and ensure supplier compliance with technical and quality requirements.
o Establish strong technical partnerships with external treatment houses.
* Production & Operations Support
o Support production execution for chemical and surface treatments, ensuring processes are robust, repeatable, and cost-effective.
o Provide technical guidance and training to production staff and technicians.
o Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and yield.
* Process Development & R&D
o Work with our chemist on R&D projects to develop and optimize new chemical and surface treatment processes for RF space components.
o Support introduction of new materials and coatings into Production to meet design and performance requirements.
* Documentation & Knowledge Management
o Collaborate with the in-house chemical expert to document chemical processes, procedures, and know-how in a structured and controlled manner.
o Contribute to the protection and development of the company’s intellectual property related to chemical and surface treatment technologies.
o Prepare and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, specifications, and qualification reports.
* Compliance & Safety
o Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations for chemical processes.
o Participate in failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions related to chemical processes.
Qualifications
* Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
* 3–5 years of experience in chemical surface treatments, plating, or coatings (preferably in aerospace, defense, or medical devices).
* Proven track record of establishing and maintaining process control for chemical processes. Experience with SPC and/or 6-sigma is a strong plus.
* Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis (Fishbone, 5-Why, 8D, or similar) and data-driven troubleshooting and problem solving.
* Experience in process qualification and supplier audits.
* Hands-on, pragmatic, and solution-oriented approach.
* Strong communication skills with ability to work cross-functionally.
* Be comfortable working with tight timelines, across multiple time zones.
* Strong knowledge of processes such as: Electroless plating (Ni, Ag, Cu), chemical etching (glazing), conversion coatings (Surtec, Alodine), painting and protective coatings.
* Familiarity with industry standards (ECSS, MIL, ASTM, ISO) for chemical and plating processes.
* Have outstanding English writing and presenting skills - at least C1. Solid French is not mandatory but is a strong plus.
Benefits
Job Benefits: Further details to be shared by our recruitment team.
About SWISSto12
SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Intelsat, Inmarsat, Astrum Mobile and ESA for HummingSat as well as contracts for their RF product line in Europe, and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SES and the ESA. SWISSto12 is a spin off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and operates a US and European-subsidiariesy in Foster City California. The company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.
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