Shape ideas into precision components.

As a design engineer apprentice at CMSA, you help transform complex ideas into manufacturable parts. From watchmaking to MedTech and toolmaking, you learn to create precise 3D models, design special tools, and understand how products move from concept to production. 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 and mechanics internship

  • 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
  • Additional mechanics internship (4–6 months)
2nd year

Branch courses and exam preparation

  • Attend all intercompany courses (ÜK), including drawing and production technology
  • Prepare for the intermediate and partial exams
  • Take the intermediate and partial exams
  • Continue hands-on workshop practice (turning, milling, drilling, assembly)
3rd year

Specialisation: luxury and MedTech

  • Work on customer parts for watchmaking and MedTech applications
  • Develop 3D models from customer files (STP/DXF)
  • Manage small design projects in collaboration with production
  • Deepen your understanding of materials, including precious metals
4th year

Specialisation and IPA

  • Continue specialisation in luxury and MedTech projects
  • Apply quality requirements and change management in real cases
  • Prepare and lead 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

Baccalaureate:

Optional Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität)

Vocational school:

BBZ Biel

Branch courses: Zollikofen, Schönbühl and Bern

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

What we’re looking for

You are:

  • Curious and creative
  • Comfortable with math and spatial thinking
  • Tech-savvy and eager to master CAD software
  • Precise, patient, and detail-oriented
  • Collaborative and open to feedback

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

Your vocational trainer

“From watchmaking to MedTech and toolmaking, our apprentices work on projects for different customers, often in collaboration with partner companies. 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: