Scientist / Physicist – Process Development for Optical Alignment (f/m/x)

ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

Enabler for smaller, more powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips

Working for tomorrow today.

Around 80 percent of all microchips worldwide are produced using ZEISS technologies. As the centerpiece of every electronically controlled system, they have become an integral part of our everyday lives – whether in smartphones, smart homes or smart factories. ZEISS is a technology leader in the field of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With high-precision lithography optics, photomask systems and process control solutions, ZEISS enables the production of ever smaller, increasingly powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips, and thus plays a pivotal role in the age of micro- and nanoelectronics.

You are looking for real high-tech instead of routine, you enjoy solving challenging problems in a team and want to help shape tomorrow’s digital world? In our Adjustment Processes department, we develop and own the processes that optimize the imaging performance of EUV and DUV lithography objectives – a key element of next-generation semiconductor lithography. Join our motivated team and help turn tomorrow’s technology into reality.

Your Role

Take responsibility for the development and optimization of alignment processes to improve the imaging performance of complex optical systems – from initial concept through to handover to series production.

Act as a central interface between theoretical optical concepts and implementation in the cleanroom environment.

Use and further develop software tools and simulations for innovative optical systems.

Coordinate process flows and interfaces with optical design, metrology, production and, where required, with customers.

Ensure the product performance of existing systems and drive continuous improvement of the related processes.

Plan, execute and analyze simulations and experiments as part of demanding development projects.

Define, develop and refine system architecture for adjustment processes incl. requirements engineering

Lead or coordinate small expert teams and support manufacturing ramp-up for new processes.

Serve as the highest technical support level for running high-volume processes in close collaboration with manufacturing.

Your Profile

University degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a comparable science/engineering discipline, ideally with a PhD and initial experience in a research or high-tech environment (e.g. doctoral research, industry internships).

Experience in modelling, simulation or data analysis of complex optical or mechatronic systems, as well as strong programming and software skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++); strong interest in automation and tool development.

Strong physics and engineering fundamentals, enthusiasm for new technologies and methods, and an analytical, solution-oriented mindset with a structured, methodical way of working.

Resilience and flexibility, including in dynamic project phases and challenging exceptional situations (e.g. production downtimes, time-critical exposure slots, safety‑relevant situations).

Customer-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt technical solutions to user needs, combined with strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex topics clearly and appropriately to different audiences.

High level of ownership and accountability, a proactive, self-directed working style and enjoyment in driving topics forward and coordinating diverse stakeholders – especially in interdisciplinary teams.

The ability to structure complex system dependencies, make decisions regarding the architecture and communicate them.

Fluent German and English skills, both written and spoken, are required for this role.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Sandra Köhler