Focuslight Switzerland is one of the leading manufacturers of high-end micro-optics. We have more than 20 years of experience in the fields of optical design, micro manufacturing, and metrology. Our micro-optical components meet the highest requirements for applications in photolithography, optical networks, medicine, and metrology. To allow us to integrate last generation technology faster we are looking for a
Technical Project Leader (Staff Engineer)
The Role
We are looking for a Staff Engineer with strong technical project leadership skills to drive the development of passive etched micro-optical components for data communication devices.
You will lead cross-functional, international teams (10–20 people) across Europe and Asia, driving projects from concept to sample delivery in a fast-paced R&D environment.
This is a hands‑on technical leadership role without direct reports — success depends on your ability to own design decisions, structure complex problems, and lead without authority .
Your Impact
Deliver new products from concept to samples within one quarter
Drive technical execution across global teams
Establish best practices in product definition and documentation
Improve product robustness and manufacturability through strong engineering discipline
What You Bring (Core Requirements)
Experience & Leadership
5 years in engineering (microfabrication / semiconductor / microtechnology)
2–3 years leading technical projects (without direct authority)
Experience working with international, cross‑functional teams
Strong ability to structure problems, drive decisions, and execute
Semiconductor & Process Expertise
Solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes (lithography, etching, deposition)
Cleanroom experience (required)
Experience in process development (hands‑on is a strong plus)
Familiarity with microfabrication (micro‑optics is a plus)
Design Ownership (Critical)
You take full ownership of design, from concept to release:
Mechanical design ( SolidWorks )
Mask layout design ( KLayout )
Technical drawings ( AutoCAD or equivalent )
Data & Quality Mindset
Experience with data analysis (Python or MATLAB)
Familiar with: FMEA / PFMEA
Technical risk assessment
Exposure to yield analysis / optimization is a plus
Communication
Fluent in English
French is important (daily interaction with technicians)
Practical Aspects
Based on‑site in Neuchâtel
Willing to travel ~20% internationally (Europe & Asia)
What You’ll Do
Lead technical execution of product & process development projects
Define products and translate requirements into robust designs
Align design, process, and manufacturing
Analyze performance and drive improvements through data
Coordinate global teams and manage technical risks
Mentor junior engineers and raise technical standards
Why This Role
High ownership : full design responsibility project influence
End‑to‑end exposure : from concept to industrialization
Cutting‑edge field : micro‑optics & semiconductor‑like fabrication
Strategic visibility within an R&D growth organization
Success Looks Like
Within your first year:
Deliver 2 customer products from concept to sample within one quarter each
Establish structured product definition and documentation practices
Become a key technical reference across sites
Workplace: Focuslight Switzerland (2068 Hauterive), Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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