Test & Characterization Engineer

OPTICA; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NIL Technology (NILT) in Switzerland is seeking a Test & Characterization Engineer to join our R&D team in Horgen. You will develop methods and test systems supporting product development from concept to industrialization.

You’ll work with multidisciplinary teams, perform measurements, analyze data, and build automation tools in Python to improve testing efficiency and reliability. The role suits both early‑career engineers and seasoned specialists committed to quality.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Electronics, Mechatronics or related technical discipline.
• Experience with test systems, laboratory measurements or characterization activities.
• Experience with data analysis and Python.
• Clear communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop test and characterization methods.
• Design and validate test setups for R&D and production applications.
• Perform measurements, data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Build measurement software and automation tools to improve testing efficiency.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to define measurement requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Support industrialization and continuous improvement of lab infrastructure and testing performance.

Skills

Test systems

Data analysis

Python programming

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Engineering/Physics/Optics degree

Tools

Measurement software

Job description

Test & Characterization Engineer

Join our Test & Characterization team in Horgen, Switzerland, and contribute to the development of advanced measurement and test solutions that support innovative products from concept through industrialization. Whether you are an early-career engineer or an experienced specialist, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and responsibility.

Based in Horgen, Switzerland, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team working closely with R&D, Product Development, Quality and Operations. You will play an important role in developing, validating and improving measurement methods and test systems that ensure the quality and performance of our products throughout their lifecycle.

You will be part of an ambitious company where we win together. Team spirit and mutual success are key components in our everyday work culture.

Tasks and responsibilities

Develop test and characterization methods.

Develop, execute and maintain characterization and test methods for products, components and subsystems. Design and validate test setups and measurement solutions for both R&D and production applications.

Perform measurements and data analysis. Conduct hands‑on laboratory measurements, data analysis and troubleshooting activities to support both product development and operational processes.

Build measurement software and automation tools. Develop and maintain measurement software, automation scripts and data analysis tools to improve testing efficiency and reliability.

Collaborate across teams. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to define measurement requirements, test strategies and acceptance criteria while supporting root‑cause investigations and problem‑solving activities.

Support industrialization and continuous improvement. Facilitate the transfer of test methods into operational environments, support equipment qualification and calibration, and drive ongoing improvements in laboratory infrastructure and testing performance.

Skills, experiences and qualifications we are looking for

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Electronics, Mechatronics or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with test systems, laboratory measurements or characterization activities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with data analysis and programming in Python.
• Hands‑on approach to troubleshooting and experimental work.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and communicate clearly in English.

In addition, we are looking for experience within optical or precision measurement technologies, automated test systems, and statistical measurement methodologies. Exposure to manufacturing, industrialization, production ramp‑up and collaboration with external manufacturing partners will be considered a plus.

About NIL Technology

NIL Technology (NILT), founded in 2006, is an optical solutions company designing, developing, and manufacturing optical elements and components using high‑precision nanoscale features. NILT creates competitive advantages with flat optics (meta‑optics) in optical applications for 3D sensing, consumer electronics, machine vision, autonomous vehicles, telecommunication, and AR. With its background in mastering for nanoimprint, the company produces masters and offers nano‑foundry services.

NILT is based in Denmark and has offices in Switzerland, Sweden, US, and a manufacturing in Malaysia. Visit us at www.nilt.com. NILT is owned by Radiant Opto‑Electronics Corporation (www.radiant.com.tw).