Job Summary
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 aNeuchâtel, Switzerlandnd documentation practices
- Become a key technical reference across sites
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