Lead Software Engineer

Solskin by Zurich Soft Robotics; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich Soft Robotics seeks a hands-on software leader to own the Solskin software stack—from cloud data management to embedded firmware and AI controllers. You will drive development, mentor the team, and collaborate with hardware, sales, and business teams to build future products.

This hybrid role requires on-site presence three days per week in Zurich, with occasional customer visits. MSc/PhD in CS/Robotics and strong Python + embedded experience are essential.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or similar.
• Python is a must. You write clean production Python for real systems.
• Embedded & Hardware: shipped C/C++ on microcontrollers with sensors/actuators.
• Applied AI & Control: experience with ML/RL and PyTorch on physical/dynamic systems.
• Cloud & data: PostgreSQL, Docker and AWS.
• Leadership attitude: take ownership and grow as a leader.
• Languages: English; German is a big plus.
• Hybrid setting: on-site at least three days per week, occasional customer sites.
• Availability: 100%, as soon as possible.
• Work-permit: right to work in Switzerland.

Responsibilities

• Own the full software stack from cloud to embedded firmware and AI controllers.
• Code daily and lead the software direction with CEO/CTO.
• Support hardware team and build internal tools for sales and business teams.
• Set software direction and drive development of future products.

Skills

Python

Embedded systems

Leadership

English

German (nice to have)

Education

MSc/PhD in CS/Robotics

Tools

PostgreSQL

Docker

AWS

React/TypeScript

STM32

Beckhoff PLCs

Job description

Building the intelligence behind Solskin

Are you a driven person who wants to make buildings come alive?

We are Zurich Soft Robotics (ZSR), a Zurich-based startup developing Solskin – a climate-adaptive solar facade. Solskin is not just a PV system or a shading system; it’s an intelligent skin that uses weather and building data, occupant feedback, and AI algorithms to decide how the facade moves, so buildings stay comfortable, avoid overheating, and use energy as efficiently as possible. Solskin is already running on several buildings across Switzerland, with many more to follow.

In this role, you own the software that makes that happen. You write the code that runs Solskin, keep it reliable in the field, and constantly improve it. You will also architect and lead our future sensor-to-data platform. Your focus is where software meets hardware, and the control and AI on top of it. You don't need to be a front-end specialist.

What you will do

This is a hands-on leadership position: you code every day.

Own the full stack

You maintain and develop the whole software stack, from cloud and data management to user-facing applications, and from low-level embedded firmware to high-level AI controllers learning from users. You keep it reliable and keep making it better.

Be the link between the teams

You build the software that runs on real buildings and support the hardware team. You also build the internal tools used by sales and the business team.

Lead what comes next

With the CEO and CTO, you set the software direction and lead development of future products.

Our stack

• Frontend: React, TypeScript
• Hardware: C/C++, STM32 microcontrollers, Beckhoff PLCs

What we are looking for

Required

• Education: MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or similar.
• Python: This is a must. You write clean Python that runs in production, on real systems.
• Embedded & Hardware: Shipped C/C++ on microcontrollers running on physical hardware; comfortable working with sensors, actuators, and basic electronics.
• Applied AI & Control: Understanding of modern control and ML/RL methods, with hands-on PyTorch experience applied to physical or dynamic systems.
• Cloud & data: You are comfortable with PostgreSQL, Docker and AWS.
• Leadership attitude: You take ownership, make decisions, and want to grow as a leader.
• Languages: English. German is a big plus.
• Hybrid setting: You will be expected to be on-site at least three days per week, and sometimes at customers’ locations, to work on real products.
• Availability: 100%, as soon as possible.
• Work-permit: You need the right to work in Switzerland for this position.

Preferred

• Startup experience: You have worked in a startup before and know what that means.
• Building modeling and control: You have prior experience handling building data, modeling building dynamics, and developing building controllers; ideally with ML and RL tools.
• Frontend: React and TypeScript.

Mindset

• Hands-on: You lead, and you still do the hard work yourself.
• Fast: You are pragmatic and iterate quickly. Things break, and plans change, and that doesn't scare you.
• Purpose: You care about climate and want to make buildings smarter.
• Impact: Your code runs on real buildings. You see the result of your work.
• Ownership: A key role with a real say in our product and technology, and room to grow with the company.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work and flexible hours. We like being in the Zurich office together, so plan for regular office days.
• Team: A small, skilled, and down-to-earth team that helps each other out.
• The reality: We are a startup. It is often messy; things rarely work the first time, and the workload is real. In return, you get a lot of freedom and responsibility from day one.