Senior R&D Specialist New System Components

The Nestlé Deep Tech Center is where we develop and evaluate cutting-edge technologies to accelerate Nestlé’s global innovation mission and shape the future of food and beverage at scale. Leveraging advanced robotics, new technologies, sensors, AI, machine learning and digital twins, we are driving smarter manufacturing, delivering breakthrough consumer experiences, and maximizing our research and innovation capabilities. Every project here connects you to Nestlé’s purpose: unlocking the power of food & beverage to enhance quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and the planet, today and for generations to come.

Based in Orbe, Switzerland, and complemented by our Deep Tech Hub in Shenzhen, China, our state-of-the-art facility fosters a collaborative working environment, with creative spaces, rapid‑prototyping labs, automated kitchens, and pilot plants, so innovation moves fast from concept to reality.

Ready to build technology that matters? Join us and be a force for good!

Position Snapshot

Location: Orbe (near Lausanne), Switzerland

Company: Nestlé Deep Tech Center

Act. Rate: Full-Time Act. Rate 100%

Type of contract: Permanent contract

Start date : As soon as possible

What we offer at Nestlé

International, diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment : Read more about our Nestlé Community

Opportunities to have an impact and contribute to your team’s success

Endless learning opportunities and enriching experiences

Strong mentorship for your professional growth

Position Summary

As a New System Component Senior Specialist, you will support the Nestlé Deep Tech Center (DTC) in unlocking new end-consumer value proposition thanks to technical innovation. Reporting to the New Components & Connectivity Lead, you will work end‑to‑end—from early concept exploration and external technology scouting to proof‑of‑concept and launch readiness. This role offers a unique opportunity for a creative engineer to turn disruptive technologies into tangible, consumer‑facing solutions—connecting bold innovation with meaningful human needs in a purpose‑driven organization.

A Day in the Life of an R&D Senior Specialist – Ecosystem Hardware Components

• Translate consumer and business needs to a technology opportunity, translating fuzzy ideas into clear engineering hypotheses.
• Ideate and sketch new hardware building blocks for next‑gen food & beverage ecosystems—rapidly moving from concept to first feasibility checks.
• Scout and benchmark emerging technologies, materials, suppliers and partners; challenge the status quo and spot what can unlock a step‑change in user experience.
• Design and prototype fast: build early CAD concepts, run quick simulations or calculations, and iterate through form, function, manufacturability and performance.
• Create compelling proof of concepts by combining engineering rigor with creativity—using prototyping, test rigs, and data scripts (e.g., Python) to validate performance and de‑risk choices.
• Shape the end‑to‑end experience: generate UX/UI journeys using tools like Figma to ensure the hardware integrates seamlessly into a coherent product and service journey.
• Co‑develop with IoT & electronics teams: align interfaces, constraints, power/thermal requirements, sensing and connectivity so the full system works—not just one component.
• Engage business stakeholders: communicate trade‑offs clearly, tell the story of the concept, and turn technical insights into crisp decision points.
• Document, learn, and level up the platform: capture what works, what doesn’t, and convert prototypes into reusable modules, methods, and design standards.

What will make you successful

• Strong engineering background (Master’s degree) in microsystems, mechanics or physics, with strong track record in delivering R&D innovation in FMCG environments.
• Demonstrated