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

Carl Zeiss AG; Oberkochen; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Carl Zeiss AG seeks a researcher to shape the next generation of optical system development within the ZEISS Innovation Ecosystem. You will develop AI-driven workflows, merge modeling, simulation, data analytics, and machine learning, and advance toolchains for complex system design in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD and have a strong background in optics, simulation, ML, or scientific computing, with hands-on software experience in Python, C++,

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in optics, simulation, machine learning, or scientific computing.
• Experience in software development with Python, C++, MATLAB or similar.

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

PhD required

Optics / Simulation

ML / Scientific computing

Software development

Interdisciplinary work

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Physics or Computer Science

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

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That's just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements.

After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS.

We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.