Senior Etch Process Engineer

Focuslight Technologies Inc.; Hauterive; Remote; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Focuslight Switzerland is seeking a Senior Etch Process Engineer to lead and advance etched optics development in a state-of-the-art cleanroom in Hauterive, Switzerland. The role targets transforming designs into manufacturable products while ensuring robust quality control.

You will drive pilot-line creation, contribute to strategic R&D, and partner with production to reduce costs and improve performance in a fast-paced global market.

Qualifications

• Ph.D./M.S. in Microtechnology, Physics, Optics, or related field.
• Industrial experience in microfabrication of etched optics and related processes.
• Strong knowledge of dry etching and photolithography techniques.
• Experience with high-volume production in optics, CMOS, or MEMS.
• English fluency; French/German an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and fabrication of etched optics on pilot line.
• Design and validate process flows for manufacturability and performance.
• Drive full product lifecycle from concept to functional product.
• Collaborate with production to resolve mass-production issues.
• Leverage internal and external resources for competitive solutions.
• Create documentation for process development and qualification.
• Support R&D activities in Hauterive cleanroom.
• Build and manage a new pilot line bridging R&D and production.

Skills

Microtechnology

Optics

Metrology

Etching

Dry etching

Photolithography

Process development

Quality control

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

M.S./Ph.D. in Microtechnology/Physics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Focuslight Switzerland is one of the leading manufacturers of high-end micro-optics. We have more than 20 years of experience in the fields of optical design, micro manufacturing, and metrology. Our micro-optical components meet the highest requirements for applications in photolithography, optical networks, medicine, and metrology. To allow us to integrate last generation technology faster we are looking for a

Senior Etch Process Engineer

The position will be a subject matter expert on etched optics at the corporate research and development level. The Senior Etch Process Engineer will lead hands-on development and manufacturing of high-performance etched optics within state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. The candidate will participate in and has the opportunity to take ownership of establishing a new pilot product line, contribute to strategic R&D initiatives, and strengthen Focuslight’s etched optics capabilities to expand and enhance the company’s product portfolio. One main task here is to transform conceptual optical designs into functional, manufacturable products by advancing the etch optics processing capabilities, while implementing robust quality control measures throughout the process. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow into an influential leader at Focuslight by strengthening Focuslight’s competitiveness in the global etched optics market.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development and fabrication of high-end etched optics products on the pilot production line.
• Design, develop, and validate process flows tailored to optical product requirements, ensuring manufacturability and performance.
• Drive the full product lifecycle—from conceptual optical design to functional product.
• Work with the production team as one team to resolve process issues in mass production and implement new processing capabilities developed on the pilot line to improve product optical performance or reduce production costs.
• Strategically leverage global internal and external resources to deliver competitive optical solutions in a fast-paced market, with a strong focus on rapid and successful execution.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation to support process development, product qualification, and knowledge transfer.
• Provide hands-on support for R&D activities in Focuslight’s cleanroom facility in Hauterive, contributing to innovation and continuous improvement.
• Build and manage a new product pilot line bridging R&D development and production.

Key Competences

• Have the ideas, methodology, and ownership needed to build the team and capabilities to become the best in etched-optics production.
• Have a “fail fast, fail cheap” mindset to quickly identify the optimal solution.
• Goal-oriented and self-driven, with a strong sense of commitment and accountability.
• Proactive and innovative mindset, consistently seeking improvements and new solutions.
• Excellent technical and analytical skills, with the ability to understand and solve complex problems.
• Experienced in collaborative project environments, integrating diverse competencies.
• Capable of planning and executing experiments that combine multiple technology platforms.

Professional Skills

• Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Microtechnology, Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Practical industrial experience in the microfabrication of etched silicon and fused silica lenses, with required expertise in dry etching and photolithography.
• In-depth theoretical knowledge of micro- and nanofabrication technologies.
• Proficiency in metrology and characterization techniques for micro- and nanostructures.
• Basic understanding of optics and photonics.
• Experience in solving problems in dry-etching, such as eliminating etch pits and deterministically controlling etched surface shape.
• Experience in high-volume production with optics, CMOS, or MEMS industry.
• Experience in monitoring and controlling etch selectivity and etch rate is an advantage.
• Familiarity with industrial quality standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 10110 is a plus.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French and German is considered as an asset.

We Offer

• A dynamic and flexible work environment with focus on work-life balance.
• A global and multicultural company culture.
• A key role in leading and driving the development of etched optics, with clear career growth opportunities toward becoming an influential leader at Focuslight.

Work hours: Flexible in working both laboratory and office environment.