Research Scientist (m/w/x) AI-Driven Transformation of Optical System Development

ZEISS Group; Oberkochen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group seeks a pioneering researcher to help shape the next generation of optical system design. You will develop AI-driven workflows that fuse modeling, simulation, and data analytics to accelerate design processes within the ZEISS Innovation Ecosystem.

You will work with interdisciplinary teams, transfer cutting-edge research to industrial applications, and contribute to modern software toolchains while applying your strong background in optics, simulation, or ML.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in optics, simulation, machine learning, or scientific computing.
• Experience in software development (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB).
• Interest in interdisciplinary challenges and complex systems.
• Structured and independent working style combined with strong teamwork skills.
• Excellent analytical thinking and enthusiasm for innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI-driven workflows for optical system design
• Combine modeling, simulation, data analytics, and machine learning to enable efficient design processes
• Contribute to modern software and toolchains for advanced system development
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and partners across the ZEISS Innovation Ecosystem
• Support holistic system design from physical modeling to data-driven decision-making
• Transfer cutting-edge research results into industrial applications

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Interdisciplinary work

Innovation

Education

PhD in Physics/CS/related

Tools

Python

C++

MATLAB

Job description

Your Role

You are passionate about cutting-edge research and motivated to shape the next generation of optical system development? In this role, you will make a key contribution to transforming classical engineering approaches into modern model-, data-, and AI-driven workflows. You will be part of a highly innovative team within the ZEISS Innovation Ecosystem, working closely with internal and external partners to develop forward-thinking methods, tools, and processes for holistic system design.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI-driven workflows for optical system design
• Combine modeling, simulation, data analytics, and machine learning to enable efficient design processes
• Contribute to modern software and toolchains for advanced system development
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and partners across the ZEISS Innovation Ecosystem
• Support holistic system design from physical modeling to data-driven decision-making
• Transfer cutting-edge research results into industrial applications

Your Profile

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, or a related field
• Strong background in at least one of the following areas: optics, simulation, machine learning, or scientific computing
• Experience in software development (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB)
• Interest in interdisciplinary challenges and complex systems
• Structured and independent working style combined with strong teamwork skills
• Excellent analytical thinking and enthusiasm for innovation

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team

Friederike Kirklar-Harms, Selina Riccio