Movement Design Engineer
Jaeger-LeCoultre — Movement Design Engineer in Le Sentier. Lead design and prototyping of mechanical watch movements at a premier Swiss manufacture.
Overview
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a renowned Swiss manufacture celebrated for haute horlogerie, technical innovation and in-house movement expertise. As part of the Richemont Group, the brand combines artisanal watchmaking ateliers with advanced engineering to produce complex calibres and iconic timepieces.
Role & Responsibilities
- Conceive and develop mechanical watch movements and sub-assemblies from concept through to production-ready design.
- Produce detailed 2D drawings and 3D CAD models; define tolerances, fits and functional specifications for manufacture.
- Lead prototyping activities, oversee bench validation, timing and functional testing, and iterate designs based on results.
- Collaborate with R&D, prototyping, production engineering and suppliers to ensure manufacturability and cost-effective solutions.
- Perform tolerance analysis, failure mode assessment and design for assembly; implement corrective design actions.
- Maintain technical documentation, Bill of Materials and revision control in accordance with internal engineering procedures.
- Support transfer to production: process qualification, tooling definition and supplier technical approvals.
- Contribute to patentable innovations and technical problem-solving within cross-functional project teams.
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Microengineering, Precision Engineering or equivalent technical diploma; recognised horology qualification (CFC/Watchmaker) is an asset.
- Solid understanding of mechanical watch movement architecture, escapements, gear trains and lubrication principles.
- Proven ability to translate functional requirements into manufacturable mechanical designs with strict tolerance control.
- Strong documentation practice including GD&T, technical specifications and component release processes.
- Capacity to manage multiple development streams and to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Skills
Experience
Several years of hands-on experience in watch movement design or precision mechanical design, including demonstrable involvement in prototype development, testing and transfer to production within a high-precision environment.
Education
Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Microengineering or equivalent; completed horology/watchmaking training (CFC) desirable.
Culture
The workplace blends traditional haute horlogerie craftsmanship with rigorous engineering discipline. Teams operate in a collaborative, precision-driven environment where technical excellence, innovation and respect for artisanal techniques are valued.