Electrical Engineer in Development of a Brain Imaging Technologies

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 80’000 - 100’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading technical university in Switzerland is seeking an Electrical Engineer to develop advanced brain imaging technologies. In this role, you will define the ASIC requirements and systems integration while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team focused on innovative medical devices. Candidates should have a strong background in analog electronics and system-level design, along with experience in firmware and software development. This position offers significant ownership and professional growth opportunities within a motivated team.

Leistungen

Collaborative work environment

Key technical role in product development

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifikationen

• Proven experience with ASIC development projects, either hands-on or supervisory.
• Experience working with external partners or foundries.
• Structured, system-oriented thinking with a focus on validation.

Aufgaben

• Define and oversee requirements for ASIC development.
• Collaborate with firmware and optics teams.
• Document designs, requirements, and validation results.

Kenntnisse

Analog front-end design

PCB design

Mixed-signal electronics

System integration

Firmware development (C++)

Software development (Python)

Optoelectronic components

Validation and verification

English communication

Ausbildung

MSc in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

PCB/PCBA design tools

Jobbeschreibung

Electrical Engineer in Development of a Brain Imaging Technologies

At ETH Zurich, in close collaboration with the spin‑off optohive, we are developing a new generation of functional near‑infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology to enable fast, wearable brain recordings. A central element of this project is the integration of a custom application‑specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In this role, you will be responsible for defining and overseeing the requirements for the ASIC development, integrating it into custom PCB designs, and developing the complete measurement unit.

Project background

The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (RELab) at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich is developing next‑generation brain imaging technologies.

RELab is an interdisciplinary research group with expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, movement science, neurorehabilitation, and neuroscience. The lab uses robotics, wearable sensor technologies, and non‑invasive neuroimaging to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in individuals with neurological injury, with the goal of promoting recovery and independence.

A strong focus of RELab lies in understanding brain function and translating this knowledge into real‑world applications. Following this approach, we developed our own brain imaging system based on fNIRS and spun it out of ETH Zurich.

In this role, you will define system‑ and ASIC‑level requirements, supervise the ASIC development carried out in collaboration with an external group, validate its performance, and integrate it into a new generation of our brain imaging hardware.

We are looking for an electrical engineer with strong experience in analog electronics, PCB design, and system integration who will take technical ownership of the electronics development at system level. You will work closely with internal and external engineers and play a key role in translating system‑level requirements into a robust, production‑ready electronic platform.

Your tasks will include:

• Technical supervision of an ASIC development project, including
  • Definition of system and ASIC‑level requirements, based on the existing setup
  • Interface definition (analog, digital, power, timing)
  • Review of design choices in close collaboration with ASIC designers
  • Validation strategy and test concept definition
• System‑level integration of the ASIC into the existing electronics framework
• Development of the electronic architecture based on the ASIC, including
  • PCB / PCBA design and review
  • Power management and signal integrity
  • Optical front‑end integration (emitters, detectors, analog chains)
• Close collaboration with firmware, software, and optics teams to ensure end‑to‑end system performance
• Definition and execution of validation and verification procedures at electronics and system level
• Support of prototyping, testing, and early manufacturing ramp‑up
• Documentation of designs, requirements, and validation results in line with medical‑device‑oriented development

Profile

You bring the following qualifications:

• MSc in electrical engineering, microelectronics, or a closely related field
• Proven experience with analog front‑end design and translating system requirements into ASIC development projects (hands‑on or supervisory)
• Strong background in mixed‑signal electronics, analog front‑ends, and low‑noise design
• Experience with PCB design and system‑level electronics integration
• Experience with firmware (C++) and software (Python) development
• Familiarity with optical systems and optoelectronic components is a strong plus
• Experience working with external development partners or foundries
• Structured, system‑oriented thinking with a strong focus on validation and robustness
• Ability to work hands‑on while keeping a system‑level perspective
• Excellent written and spoken English; German is a plus

Workplace

We offer

• A collaborative and stimulating environment within a motivated and multidisciplinary team.
• A key technical role shaping the core hardware of our next product generation
• High ownership and responsibility in a small, highly skilled team
• Work at the intersection of ASIC design, optics, and medical‑grade electronics
• Close collaboration with leading researchers, clinicians, and industry partners
• Strong professional growth opportunities

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, and respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value; we are working towards a climate‑neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience in the field. Mention your earliest possible starting date
• Transcript of records

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the RELab and optohive can be found on our website or LinkedIn. For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Dominik Wyser, [e-mail].