Mechanical Engineer (Rapid Prototyping & Optomechanics for Quantum Sensing) (f/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer (Rapid Prototyping & Optomechanics for Quantum Sensing) (f/m/d)

Company: QuantumDiamonds

Location: St.-Martin-Straße 76, München, Bayern, 81541, Germany

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Engineering / Science & Research / Hardware Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 2-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered around the rapid development and iteration of mechanical and optomechanical concepts for cutting-edge quantum sensing lab demonstrators.

• It requires a strong hands-on approach to rapid prototyping, utilizing in-house and external manufacturing capabilities to quickly bring ideas to testable hardware.

• The position involves integrating diverse components, including optics, lasers, microwave delivery, and magnetics, into cohesive and functional systems.

• A key aspect is designing for the specific physics requirements of quantum sensing, ensuring material compatibility and performance under demanding conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly positioned within a fast-paced R&D environment, emphasizing speed and iteration in hardware development. The "f/m/d" designation indicates a commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring practices. The "Rapid Prototyping" and "Optomechanics" focus suggests a need for engineers comfortable with iterative design cycles and the integration of optical systems within mechanical frameworks, directly contributing to early-stage product development for quantum sensing applications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and iterate on the mechanical and optomechanical designs for lab demonstrators, translating physics requirements into elegant, pragmatic, and stable concepts.

• Drive rapid prototyping initiatives by selecting appropriate manufacturing processes (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting, machining) and managing in-house printers and external suppliers to accelerate hardware delivery.

• Ensure seamless integration of all system components, including optics, lasers, microwave delivery, magnetics, electronics, and the diamond sensor, ensuring physical and functional compatibility.

• Design components and assemblies with consideration for specific physics constraints, including material properties, stiffness, thermal drift, and tolerance budgets relevant to optical, RF, and magnetic environments.

• Generate clean CAD models, detailed drawings, and comprehensive bills of materials using SolidWorks, ensuring designs are well-documented for reproduction and modification by colleagues.

• Serve as a key mechanical liaison with the Product Development Team, aligning concepts with their mechanical engineers and facilitating the handover of validated designs for mature technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical need for an engineer who can bridge the gap between theoretical physics requirements and practical hardware implementation. The emphasis on "rapid prototyping" and "days rather than months" underscores the speed and agility expected in this pre-development role. The collaboration with the Product Development Team indicates a structured handover process, requiring clear documentation and design transfer.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field. A comparable technical qualification with demonstrated hands-on design experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with a strong preference for experience in rapid prototyping and/or optomechanical systems.

Required Skills:

• Solid working knowledge of 3D CAD software, specifically SolidWorks, and the ability to create manufacturable designs from initial concepts.

• Practical understanding of rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and basic CNC operations, including an awareness of their respective accuracy, stiffness, and material capabilities.

• A strong hands-on mentality, with a preference for building, testing, and iterating designs directly.

• Excellent spatial reasoning and systems thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate integration challenges and performance issues.

• A curious and exploratory mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and motivated by testing new ideas quickly.

• Proficient communication and technical documentation skills, essential for collaborative work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• Fluency in English, as it is the working language of the company. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in precision engineering tasks, including developing tolerance budgets and designing optomechanical systems.

• Familiarity with material properties and their compatibility with optical, RF, and magnetic environments, particularly non-magnetic materials for sensitive sensor applications.

• A background in physics or a strong interest in understanding the underlying measurement principles of Quantum Diamond Microscopes (QDM) and quantum sensing.

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS), advanced machining techniques, or managing external manufacturing partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on skills and a proactive, experimental approach over extensive theoretical knowledge in specialized areas like optomechanics or RF. The "Nice to have" section clearly indicates areas where the company is prepared to provide training and development, making the role accessible to engineers with strong mechanical fundamentals and a willingness to learn.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of mechanical designs for complex systems, demonstrating an ability to integrate multiple functional components (e.g., optics, RF, sensors).

• Examples of rapid prototyping projects, detailing the process from concept to functional prototype, highlighting speed of iteration and problem-solving.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD software), including complex assemblies and detailed technical drawings.

• Case studies illustrating how you have considered and managed tolerance budgets, material properties, and environmental factors (thermal, RF, magnetic) in your designs. Process Documentation:

• Examples of clear and concise technical documentation, including CAD models, drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Evidence of structured design processes, from initial ideation and requirements gathering through to prototype testing and design handover.

• Documentation that facilitates collaboration and knowledge transfer within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on rapid prototyping and early-stage development, a portfolio that emphasizes speed, iteration, and practical execution will be highly valued. The ability to clearly document designs and processes is crucial for seamless integration with the Product Development Team and for team-wide knowledge sharing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Mechanical Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in Munich, Germany, focusing on specialized fields like optomechanics and rapid prototyping within deep tech environments, a competitive annual salary range of €55,000 - €75,000 is estimated. This range accounts for the high cost of living in Munich, the specialized technical demands of the role, and the high-growth nature of the company.

Benefits:

• Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to meaningful work that makes a lasting impact beyond standard business objectives.

• Impact & Growth: Shape company culture and key decisions in a fast-scaling, high-growth environment.

• Health & Fitness: Access to a wide range of gyms and wellness activities across Germany through a company-sponsored Wellpass membership.

• Team & Culture: Participate in regular off-sites and team events fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

• Well-being & Balance: Enjoy 30 days of paid vacation per year, in addition to public holidays.

• Learning & Development: An annual budget is provided for courses, conferences, and other resources to support professional skill expansion.

• Ownership & Participation: Benefit from an equity program, allowing direct participation in the company's success.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time permanent position in Germany. While the role is on-site, the company culture may offer some flexibility, but core hours will be expected to facilitate team collaboration and lab access.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for engineering roles in Munich, Germany, considering the specific technical requirements (optomechanics, rapid prototyping, quantum sensing) and the experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, focusing on employee well-being, professional development, and a sense of ownership, which are attractive in the deep tech startup environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quantum Technology / Semiconductor Inspection / Deep Tech. QuantumDiamonds operates at the forefront of quantum sensing technology, applying Nobel Prize-winning physics to solve critical problems in semiconductor manufacturing. This places them in a highly innovative and rapidly evolving sector.

Company Size: Over 70 employees. This size suggests a dynamic startup environment where individuals can have a significant impact and directly influence processes and culture, while still having a structured team for collaboration and support.

Founded: 2022. As a recent spin-off from TU Munich, QuantumDiamonds is in a high-growth phase, transitioning from breakthrough research to scaling its technology for commercial applications. This implies an agile, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented culture.

Team Structure:

• The Hardware Pre-Development Team, to which this role belongs, is multidisciplinary, likely comprising physicists, optical engineers, and mechanical engineers focused on early-stage technology demonstrators.

• There is a close working relationship with the Product Development Team, which includes dedicated mechanical engineers responsible for mature designs and manufacturing readiness.

• Collaboration extends across various departments, including quantum physicists, data scientists, and other engineering disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to product development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While this role focuses on mechanical implementation, the underlying physics and sensor performance dictate design choices, requiring an understanding of data and measurement principles.

• Agile Hardware Development: The emphasis on rapid prototyping and iteration aligns with agile methodologies, prioritizing speed to market and continuous improvement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working closely with physicists and product development engineers ensures that designs meet both scientific and practical engineering requirements.

Company Website: https://quantumdiamonds.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by innovation, speed, and a strong scientific foundation derived from its TU Munich origins. The team structure encourages collaboration between researchers and engineers, a common trait in deep tech companies aiming to commercialize complex scientific advancements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Mechanical Engineer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of professional experience. It offers a significant step up in terms of ownership and responsibility compared to entry-level positions, focusing on hands-on development and rapid iteration within a specialized field.

Reporting Structure: The Mechanical Engineer will report to a lead within the Hardware Pre-Development Team, likely a Senior Engineer or Team Lead. They will work closely with physicists and senior mechanical engineers from the Product Development Team, providing a rich learning environment and exposure to experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the speed and success of QuantumDiamonds' technology maturation. By rapidly prototyping and integrating mechanical and optomechanical solutions, this engineer contributes to validating core technologies, accelerating the path to commercialization, and ultimately influencing the company's ability to secure further investment and market traction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in optomechanics, precision engineering, and rapid prototyping within the unique context of quantum sensing.

• Leadership Potential: Develop into a senior engineering role within Hardware Pre-Development, potentially leading projects or mentoring junior engineers as the team grows.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain in-depth understanding of quantum physics, optics, RF, and magnetic systems, expanding technical versatility.

• Product Development Transition: Progress into the Product Development Team, contributing to designs that move towards mass production and commercial release.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear trajectory for growth within a specialized engineering field. The emphasis on learning and development, coupled with the company's high-growth trajectory, suggests excellent opportunities for career advancement and skill diversification within the deep tech sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: QuantumDiamonds is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and the role is specified as on-site. This implies working within a dedicated office and laboratory space equipped for advanced hardware development, prototyping, and potentially testing.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is at St.-Martin-Straße 76, München, 81541, Germany. This location in Munich offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and is well-connected for commuting.

Workspace Context:

• Lab & Workshop Access: The role requires hands-on work, suggesting access to well-equipped workshops with rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and potentially CNC machines.

• Collaborative Spaces: The environment will likely include collaborative workspaces designed to foster interaction among engineers, physicists, and data scientists, facilitating rapid idea exchange and problem-solving.

• Advanced Equipment: Access to sophisticated optical, RF, and magnetic test equipment will be essential for integrating and validating the designs.

Work Schedule: The position is for a permanent employee, with an expected 40-hour work week. Given the fast-paced startup environment and the nature of R&D, there may be an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines, but core working hours will be structured to enable team collaboration and lab access.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for a role heavily focused on hands-on prototyping and lab work. The Munich location is a significant advantage, placing the candidate within a hub of technological innovation and research.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant mechanical design, prototyping, and CAD skills, as well as your interest in quantum sensing.

• Technical Interview: Likely with members of the Hardware Pre-Development Team and/or Product Development Team. Expect questions on mechanical design principles, CAD proficiency, rapid prototyping techniques, and problem-solving scenarios. You may be asked to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Hands-on/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into your portfolio, where you'll be asked to present specific projects, explain your design choices, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. This stage often includes discussions on how you approach iteration and testing.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet more of the team and assess alignment with QuantumDiamonds' values, work style, and collaborative approach. Questions may focus on your curiosity, adaptability, and teamwork skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm mutual interest.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Present projects that clearly demonstrate your hands-on prototyping skills, your ability to integrate complex systems, and your proficiency in SolidWorks.

• Highlight Iteration: For rapid prototyping projects, clearly show the evolution of your design, the reasons for changes, and the lessons learned. Quantify where possible (e.g., "reduced assembly time by X% through iterative design").

• Focus on Problem-Solving: For each project, articulate the specific engineering challenge and how your design or prototyping approach provided an effective solution.

• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Showcase projects where you had to consider multiple interacting components (optics, RF, mechanics) and their compatibility.

• Detail Your CAD Work: Be prepared to discuss your CAD methodology, drawing standards, and BOM creation process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a conceptual design problem related to optomechanics or rapid prototyping and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential prototyping methods.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would troubleshoot a mechanical integration issue or optimize a prototyping process for speed and accuracy.

• Material Selection: Prepare to discuss your understanding of material properties relevant to optical, RF, and magnetic applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical aptitude and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that showcases practical application of skills, rapid iteration, and systems thinking will be critical for success. The emphasis on "hands-on" and "rapid prototyping" means demonstrating practical execution is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: SolidWorks (primary requirement), with proficiency in creating complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and Bills of Materials.

Experience with other comparable 3D CAD tools will be considered.

• Prototyping Technologies: Hands-on experience and practical knowledge of:

  • 3D Printing: Various technologies (e.g., FDM, SLA) for rapid iteration and functional parts.
  • Laser Cutting: For precise flat parts and enclosures.
  • CNC Machining: Basic understanding and potential experience with machined components for higher precision or material requirements.

• Documentation: Tools for creating technical drawings, BOMs, and potentially design reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this mechanical role, an understanding of how mechanical designs impact the performance metrics of the Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) will be beneficial. This may involve using measurement tools for verification and basic data analysis of prototype performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core mechanical engineering tasks, but familiarity with project management or version control systems for design files might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD and rapid prototyping tools, reflecting the role's emphasis on hands-on design and fabrication. SolidWorks is explicitly mentioned as a core requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, experiment with novel approaches, and push the boundaries of what's possible in quantum sensing hardware.

• Speed & Agility: A commitment to rapid iteration, quick learning, and fast execution to accelerate product development and market entry.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines, sharing knowledge, and supporting team members to achieve common goals.

• Impact & Purpose: A dedication to building impactful technology that addresses real-world problems in the semiconductor industry and contributes to scientific advancement.

• Hands-on Execution: A culture that values practical application, building, testing, and actively engaging with the hardware being developed.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Engineers work closely with physicists and product developers, fostering a constant dialogue to ensure designs meet scientific requirements and are manufacturable.

• Open Communication: An environment where ideas are freely exchanged, feedback is welcomed, and challenges are discussed openly to find collective solutions.

• Learning-Oriented: A culture that encourages continuous learning, sharing of expertise, and mentorship between team members with different skill sets and experience levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is shaped by its deep tech origins and fast-paced startup environment, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. The values are geared towards rapid progress and impactful contributions to cutting-edge technology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Complex Physics: Balancing the stringent optical, RF, and magnetic requirements of quantum sensing with practical mechanical design constraints.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting to a fast-paced development environment where designs may need frequent modification based on experimental results.

• Bridging Research to Product: Effectively transitioning designs from early-stage lab demonstrators to concepts suitable for product development and eventual manufacturing.

• Material Science Demands: Ensuring material choices meet specific performance criteria (e.g., non-magnetic, low thermal expansion) in a demanding environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Acquisition: Develop deep expertise in optomechanical design, precision engineering, and advanced prototyping techniques within the unique domain of quantum sensing.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience with cutting-edge quantum technology and its application in the critical semiconductor industry.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Broaden understanding of physics, electronics, and software relevant to the Quantum Diamond Microscope.

• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance into senior engineering roles, team leadership, or specialized technical expert positions within QuantumDiamonds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working at the forefront of deep tech innovation. The company's commitment to learning and development, including an annual budget for professional growth, directly supports employees in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical system you designed for rapid prototyping. What were the key challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and iteration).

• "How would you approach integrating optical components with RF or magnetic elements in a new lab setup? What are your primary concerns?" (Assess systems thinking and knowledge of interdisciplinary constraints).

• "Imagine a prototype isn't performing as expected due to a mechanical issue. How would you systematically diagnose and resolve the problem?" (Test troubleshooting methodology and hands-on approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about QuantumDiamonds and our mission to use quantum sensing for semiconductor inspection?" (Show genuine interest and research).

• "Describe a time you worked in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team. How did you contribute and manage your responsibilities?" (Evaluate collaboration and adaptability).

• "How do you stay updated on new rapid prototyping technologies and mechanical design best practices?" (Demonstrate continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your rapid prototyping, optomechanics, and SolidWorks skills, and your ability to integrate complex systems.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your design approach, the prototyping process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or lessons learned.

• Highlight Iteration: Emphasize how you iterated on designs and why. Quantify improvements where possible.

• Demonstrate CAD Proficiency: Be ready to walk through your SolidWorks models, drawings, and BOMs, explaining your design choices and documentation standards.

• Showcase Hands-on Ability: If possible, bring physical prototypes or detailed photos/videos that illustrate your building and testing process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical execution, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the role. Highlighting experience with rapid iteration and a hands-on approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the QuantumDiamonds careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience with mechanical design, rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC basics), SolidWorks proficiency, and any experience with optomechanics, RF, or magnetic systems. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that demonstrate hands-on capability, systems integration, and SolidWorks skills. Prepare to present these projects clearly, focusing on the design process, iteration, and problem-solving.

• Research QuantumDiamonds: Understand their mission, technology (Quantum Diamond Microscope), and recent developments. Prepare to articulate why you are excited about their specific application of quantum sensing.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear communication, technical detail, and your ability to answer questions about your design choices and process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.