Mechanical Design Engineer

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be a member of the hardware team responsible for the mechanical design of our Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. Tasks include designing custom 19‑inch rack‑mounted enclosures (sheet metal), internal mechanical parts that support our boards and optics, and housings for internal modules. The role spans concept through 3D CAD, design‑for‑manufacture, prototyping, fabrication, and integration, working hands‑on with sheet‑metal and CNC suppliers.

We currently use Fusion 360 but are open to your preferred tool.

Key responsibilities are grouped below.

• Enclosure and mechanical design
  • Design custom 19‑inch rack‑mounted enclosures: folded sheet‑metal parts with bend allowances and DFM, front and back panels, and rack mounting.
  • Design internal mechanical parts—mounting trays, brackets, and mounts for boards and subsystems.
• CNC‑machined parts
  • Design CNC‑milled housings and parts for internal optical and electronic modules.
• Manufacturing and prototyping
  • Produce complete manufacturing drawing packages and BOMs; select and manage sheet‑metal and CNC suppliers, and work with external design houses and ODMs.
  • Drive prototype builds, fit‑checks, and design iterations through to production readiness.
  • Support EMC and compliance through sound mechanical design (gasketing, grounding/bonding provisions) and pre‑compliance, collaborating with the electronics team and external test labs.
• Collaboration and documentation
  • Collaborate with optics, electronics, FPGA, and software teams on mechanical interfaces, envelopes, and mounting.
  • Author drawings, tolerance analyses, and change logs; maintain records.

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, with at least 3 years of experience designing mechanical hardware and enclosures for instrumentation or telecom/datacenter products.
• Proficiency in sheet‑metal design (folded/bent parts, bend allowances, DFM) and CNC‑machined part design (DFM for milling, fits, tolerances, finishes).
• Hands‑on prototyping mindset and ability to collaborate across optics, electronics, and systems engineering.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to be on‑site in our Munich or Potsdam offices as required.
• Right to work in Germany at the time of application; no visa sponsorship.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain either a U.S. Secret (or higher) security clearance or an EU SECRET (or national equivalent) personnel security clearance. Employment is contingent on meeting applicable government security requirements; eligibility is determined by the competent authorities.

Good to have: Experience with tamper‑resistant, secure, or defense‑grade enclosures; industrial‑design sensibility and premium product finishing (anodizing, custom front panels); awareness of EMC/EMI gasketing and shielding.

• Opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in Quantum Technologies and an experienced, progressive leadership team.
• Gain knowledge of cutting‑edge science & engineering developments.
• Be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms in the upcoming decades.
• Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues.
• Personal development plan with clear advancement goals.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Diverse and supportive atmosphere encouraging innovation and initiative.

Terra Quantum is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity, inclusion and employee well‑being.