Shape ideas into precision components.

As a design engineer apprentice at CMSA, you’ll help transform complex ideas into manufacturable parts. From watchmaking to medical technology, you’ll learn to create precise 3D models, design special tools, and understand the entire product development process. This hands-on apprenticeship blends creativity with technical expertise — and opens the door to a wide variety of careers in engineering and product development.
Design engineer employee EFZ

What you’ll learn

1st year

Foundations

  • Learn to design in 3D using Siemens NX
  • Explore additive manufacturing with 3D printing
  • Create real components for our luxury, medtech, dental, and tools divisions
2nd year

Workshop & advanced training

  • Hands-on practice: turning, milling, drilling, and assembly
  • Internal training in quality and production
  • Assist with onboarding of new apprentices
3rd year

Luxury division specialisation

  • Design decorative and functional watch and jewellery parts
  • Develop 3D models from customer files (STP/DXF)
  • Manage small design projects
  • Learn about precious metals and their behavior
4th year

Medical & dental specialisation

  • Design dental implants and precision medtech parts
  • Apply quality regulations and change management
  • Specialise in titanium and precious alloys
  • Take the lead in your final Individual Practical Assessment (IPA) project

You’ll alternate between design and production to understand the full value chain.

Your education

Duration:

4 years

Profile:

E-profile (with or without vocational baccalaureate)

Vocational school:

BBZ Biel (German)

Branch courses: Zollikofen and Bern

Key topics: drawing, production technology, 3D modelling, materials, regulations

What we’re looking for

You are:

  • Curious and creative
  • Comfortable with math and spatial thinking
  • A good communicator in German or French
  • Tech-savvy and eager to master CAD software
  • Precise, patient, and detail-oriented
  • Collaborative and open to feedback

Education required: At least a Realschule-level certificate with strong math results.

Your vocational trainer

"From watchmaking to medtech, our apprentices work on real, high-impact projects. You’ll build the skills to shape your career in many directions."

Image of trainer: Miguel da Costa

Miguel da Costa

Design engineers

Take the next step

This position is currently open. If you’re motivated and ready to get started: