ABOUT CHIRAL
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.
Collaboration:
* 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 :)