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 manufacturing entire geostationary telecommunication satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space and of which 4 have already been sold to international leading telecom operators: Intelsat and ViaSat (acqu. Inmarsat).
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.
SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems. The company's patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products. This position is a unique opportunity to lead the development of a new class of telecommunication satellites.
This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development, qualification, and control of dimensional measurement processes for complex RF and space hardware — from precision components to integrated subsystems and final satellite assemblies. As the Process Owner for Metrology and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), you will be responsible for defining and implementing the company's dimensional control strategy: selecting measurement technologies, developing inspection methodologies, and ensuring consistent application of GD&T principles across design, manufacturing, and integration. The role combines technical leadership and hands-on expertise you will write procedures, qualify equipment and software, support inspections when needed, and act as the primary reference for all dimensional measurement activities within the organization and its supply chain.
Job Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
* Minimum 5 years of experience in dimensional metrology, GD&T, and tolerance analysis, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing.
* Strong practical knowledge of measurement technologies such as:
o CMM (contact and scanning)
o Optical and structured-light systems
o Laser tracker and photogrammetry
o In-situ or portable measurement systems
* Expertise in ISO GPS / ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and tolerance stack-up analysis.
* Experience with metrology software (e.g., PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, Metrolog X4, Geomagic, or similar).
* Demonstrated ability to develop and write measurement procedures and qualification protocols.
* Hands-on, analytical, and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
* Effective communicator and trainer, able to work cross-functionally with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Integration teams.
* Fluent in English (written and spoken); French is an asset.
Job Responsibilities
Metrology Strategy & Development
· Define and maintain the company-wide metrology strategy covering component, subsystem, and full assembly levels (from machined and printed parts to integrated satellite structures).
· Select and qualify measurement technologies and systems (CMM, optical and laser scanning, structured light, photogrammetry, laser trackers, etc.).
· Develop and validate measurement procedures, control plans, and acceptance criteria aligned with ECSS, ISO, and aerospace standards.
GD&T Leadership
· Act as the internal authority on GD&T and tolerance analysis.
· Provide training and guidance to design, manufacturing, and quality teams on the correct application and interpretation of ISO GPS / ASME Y14.5 standards.
· Ensure design intent is accurately captured and verified through proper datum definition, feature control frames, and inspection methodologies.
Process Qualification & Control
· Qualify and maintain measurement equipment, ensuring calibration traceability and environmental control.
· Define statistical control methods (SPC, MSA, R&R) for critical dimensional characteristics.
· Support process capability studies and contribute to root cause analyses related to dimensional non-conformities.
Operations & Measurement Support
· Prepare geometric measurement programs (calibration, referencing, measurement, verification, reporting) based on drawing and control plan, using dedicated software.
· Perform or supervise dimensional inspections for key components, assemblies, and satellite-level integrations when required.
· Provide metrology support for first article inspections (FAI), acceptance testing, and system alignment operations.
· Collaborate closely with manufacturing, assembly, and integration teams to ensure dimensional compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
Supplier & Subcontractor Interface
· Evaluate and qualify external metrology suppliers and partners.
· Review supplier inspection reports, provide feedback, and ensure dimensional control consistency across the supply chain.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
· Prepare and maintain metrology process documentation: work instructions, calibration procedures, measurement uncertainty reports, and best-practice guidelines.
· Contribute to the company's knowledge base in dimensional control and GD&T.
Maintainability & Continuous Improvement
· Collaborate with the Process & Manufacturing Engineering department team to integrate measurement systems into the Total Preventive Maintenance Plan (TPMP).
· Continuously assess new metrology technologies and software tools for potential integration.
· Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce measurement time, uncertainty, and variability.
Job Benefits
To be chatted during your exchange with our recruitment team.
More about SWISSto12:
SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with ViaSat (acqu. Inmarsat), Intelsat and ESA for HummingSat as well as contracts for its RF product line in Europe and the USA with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and 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 Renens (close to Lausanne, Switzerland), and operates subsidiaries in Foster City California USA, Virginia USA, Madrid Spain and Copenhagen Denmark. The company is well funded for its developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream with near term profitability