Rolex R&D Project Engineer — Microtechnologies
- Location
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Apr 21, 2026
About Rolex
Rolex is an independent Geneva-based manufacture renowned for precision watchmaking and technical excellence. The employer combines artisanal craft with advanced engineering and maintains discreet, highly structured R&D and production operations focused on long-term product integrity and industrial mastery.
Rolex — Geneva: R&D Project Engineer (Microtechnologies) to develop innovative laser technologies for watchmaking and lead technical projects.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and propose innovative laser-based solutions adapted to the latest advances in laser technology and watchmaking applications; maintain active technological watch.
- Manage technical R&D projects end-to-end: planning, reporting, budget follow-up and delivery of milestones.
- Design and execute experiments, characterise results, and produce detailed technical reports.
- Build demonstrators and pilot small-series watch components based on newly developed laser processes.
- Collaborate with internal functions (industrialisation, quality, production/operations) to ensure robust integration and industrialisation of laser processes into manufacturing flows.
- Engage and coordinate with external partners — research laboratories, universities and technology suppliers — to accelerate development and transfer of new processes.
Qualifications
- Engineer diploma or Master's degree (HES, EPF, Master or equivalent) in microtechnology, applied physics, materials science, optics or a closely related discipline.
- Proven mastery of laser processes such as cutting, machining and engraving applied to fine components.
- Practical experience operating laser equipment: setup, basic maintenance, parameterisation, optical alignment and beam characterisation.
- Strong understanding of laser–matter interaction and the underlying physical phenomena.
- Demonstrable experience in managing technical projects with budgetary and planning responsibility.
- Experience with dimensional and topographic characterisation of precision watch components.
- Fluent French and technical English (oral and written); excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Autonomy, initiative, rigorous analytical thinking and a strong propensity for innovation and organisation.
Skills
Experience
Several years of hands-on experience (typically 3+ years) in laser process development, microtechnology or applied optics, ideally including exposure to watchmaking components and the industrialisation of production processes.
Education
Master's degree or engineering diploma (HES/EPF or equivalent) in microtechnology, applied physics, materials science, optics or a related field.
Workplace
This position is based in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Benefits
Stimulating work environment; excellent working conditions; flexible working-time arrangements; high-quality social benefits.
Culture
Rolex emphasises technical rigour, craft mastery and long-term excellence. The workplace culture is discreet and performance-driven, blending artisanal savoir-faire with advanced engineering and close cross-functional collaboration.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Rolex, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Laser Process Development Engineer», «R&D Project Manager, Microtechnology», «Optical Process Engineer», «Microtechnology Development Engineer», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.