Senior Optical Development Engineer for Metrology Systems
Chiral Nano AG is a leading nanotechnology company based in Zurich, Switzerland. We specialize in the development of innovative electronic devices using nanomaterials. Our mission is to enable high-performance, nanomaterial-based electronics through automated characterization and scalable device integration.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As a Senior Optical Development Engineer, you will take a lead role in the conception, development, and validation of our precision measurement systems. Your focus will shift significantly towards optical development: you will actively design optical measurement concepts, build prototypes, and ensure our systems overcome physical limitations to meet stringent accuracy and robustness requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Analyze, evaluate, and optimize production and measurement technologies to strengthen Chiral Nano's metrology capabilities.
Conceptualize, design, and dimension opto-mechanical systems for high-precision optical measurement, including mechanical, optical, and mechatronic subsystems.
Build, assemble, and commission prototype setups for optical metrology, including experiment planning, test execution, data acquisition, and failure-mode analysis.
Process and analyze measurement data using advanced computational techniques, including computer vision, image processing, and machine-learning-based methods to extract features, enhance measurement performance, and improve system robustness.
Create designs for custom experimental setups, prototype systems, and special-purpose fixtures.
Define and maintain error budgets, uncertainty analyses, and calibration strategies for optical metrology.
Prepare technical documentation, reports, system specifications, and recommendations for design changes.
Support integration of the metrology subsystem into pre-series production tools.
BACKGROUND
Excellent degree (MSc or PhD) in physics, optical engineering, mechanical engineering, micro-/precision engineering, photonics, mechatronics, or a related field with strong focus on optics and optical technologies.
Several years of experience in the development of optical or opto-mechanical measurement systems, ideally in semiconductor equipment, microsystems technology, precision instrumentation, or related industries.
Strong foundation in optics, sensors, instrumentation, and machine vision for the alignment of semiconductor substrates or alike.
Demonstrated ability to experiment with new ideas and solutions, both theoretically and practically (e.g., during a PhD or in industrial prototyping).
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Technical skills:
In-depth knowledge of technical optics, optical manufacturing, and broad knowledge of modern optical components and technologies.
Proficiency with optical design and simulation software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools) and understanding of tolerancing and sensitivity analysis.
Practical experience with measurement data processing, image analysis, or computer vision; familiarity with machine learning is an advantage.
Skilled in designing experiments, collecting measurement data, and performing comprehensive error budgeting.
Basic proficiency in data acquisition, analysis, and visualization tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
Mindset:
You combine outstanding analytical and conceptual abilities with a high level of creativity, initiative, and a structured, goal-oriented approach to problem-solving and personal responsibility.
Comfortable with hands-on lab tasks and technical problem-solving.
Curious and eager to learn in a fast-paced start-up setting.
Strong communication skills in English (German a plus).
Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams across physics, software, and hardware.
WHAT WE OFFER
Impact: Directly contribute to validating and improving the accuracy of our robotic integration systems.
Learning: Gain hands-on experience in advanced metrology, precision engineering, and system characterization for semiconductor equipment.
Compensation: Competitive Swiss salary with full employment benefits (incl. pension). Equity participation possible.
Culture: Small, international team working on meaningful problems. Open, collaborative, feedback-driven environment.
… and the best coffee in Zurich :)
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Chiral by 2x
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Semiconductor Manufacturing
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