Rolex R&D Project Manager, Movement Technologies

Employment Full-time
Seniority Mid-Level
Posted Mar 24, 2026

Rolex (Geneva) seeks an R&D Project Manager, Movement Technologies — lead materials and process innovation for new watch movements.

Overview

Rolex is a preeminent Swiss watchmaker renowned for technical excellence, vertical integration and exacting standards of craftsmanship. As an employer, Rolex offers technically demanding roles that combine heritage watchmaking with advanced materials and process innovation, providing long-term development opportunities within a highly disciplined, research-driven environment.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development of new watch movements by integrating materials and process expertise from project inception.
  • Manage and prioritise a portfolio of R&D projects, ensuring progress tracking, stakeholder coordination and delivery against objectives.
  • Identify, propose and evaluate innovative technological solutions that meet functional, aesthetic and performance requirements of new constructions.
  • Select and recommend optimal materials and manufacturing processes in accordance with exacting specifications (reliability, tribology, assembly constraints, etc.).
  • Support component development through specification writing, test planning, functional validation and iterative optimisation.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree (EPF or equivalent) in Microengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage cross‑functional projects and to animate a portfolio of concurrent development initiatives.
  • Solid knowledge of horology and precision mechanics; familiarity with materials, manufacturing processes (metals, ceramics), tribology or surface treatments is an advantage.
  • Strong analytical and synthetic thinking, with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and proven capacity to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Project portfolio management Materials selection and specification Tribology Surface engineering and finishing processes Prototype testing and functional validation Technical specification writing Cross‑disciplinary coordination Horology know‑how

Experience

Several years of professional experience in R&D or product development within horology, microtechnology or precision mechanics, with a track record of delivering materials/process improvements and managing multi‑stakeholder projects.

Education

Master's degree (EPF or equivalent) in Microengineering, Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science.

Workplace

The role is situated in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. There are currently 393 open positions in Geneva on Cerulean, with 8 added recently. Within Geneva, Cerulean currently features 479 open roles, including 13 recent additions. Across Switzerland, Cerulean lists 770 open roles — 25 of them newly added.

Benefits

Stimulating work environment; excellent working conditions; flexible working time solutions; top‑tier social benefits.

Culture

Rolex combines a culture of artisanal craftsmanship with rigorous engineering and scientific inquiry. Teams operate within a disciplined, quality‑driven environment where long‑term thinking, technical mastery and collaborative problem‑solving are prized.

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.