Technical Project Leader (Staff Engineer)

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

Technical Project Leader (Staff Engineer)

The Role

We are looking for a Staff Engineer with strong technical project leadership skills to drive the development of passive etched micro-optical components for data communication devices.

You will lead cross-functional, international teams (10–20 people) across Europe and Asia, driving projects from concept to sample delivery in a fast-paced R&D environment.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role without direct reports — success depends on your ability to own design decisions, structure complex problems, and lead without authority.

Your Impact

• Deliver new products from concept to samples within one quarter
• Drive technical execution across global teams
• Establish best practices in product definition and documentation
• Improve product robustness and manufacturability through strong engineering discipline

What You Bring (Core Requirements)

Experience & Leadership

• 5 years in engineering (microfabrication / semiconductor / microtechnology)
• 2–3 years leading technical projects (without direct authority)
• Experience working with international, cross-functional teams
• Strong ability to structure problems, drive decisions, and execute

Semiconductor & Process Expertise

• Solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes
  (lithography, etching, deposition)
• Cleanroom experience (required)
• Experience in process development (hands-on is a strong plus)
• Familiarity with microfabrication (micro-optics is a plus)

Design Ownership (Critical)

You take full ownership of design, from concept to release:

• Mechanical design (SolidWorks)
• Mask layout design (KLayout)
• Technical drawings (AutoCAD or equivalent)

Data & Quality Mindset

• Experience with data analysis (Python or MATLAB)
• Familiar with:
  • FMEA / PFMEA
  • Technical risk assessment
• Exposure to yield analysis / optimization is a plus

Communication

• Fluent in English
• French is important (daily interaction with technicians)

Practical Aspects

• Based on-site in Neuchâtel
• Willing to travel ~20% internationally (Europe & Asia)

What You’ll Do

• Lead technical execution of product & process development projects
• Define products and translate requirements into robust designs
• Align design, process, and manufacturing
• Analyze performance and drive improvements through data
• Coordinate global teams and manage technical risks
• Mentor junior engineers and raise technical standards

Why This Role

• High ownership: full design responsibility project influence
• End-to-end exposure: from concept to industrialization
• Cutting-edge field: micro-optics & semiconductor-like fabrication
• Strategic visibility within an R&D growth organization

Success Looks Like

Within your first year:

• Deliver =2 customer products from concept to sample within one quarter each
• Establish structured product definition and documentation practices
• Become a key technical reference across sites

Workplace: Focuslight Switzerland (2068 Hauterive), Neuchâtel, Switzerland.