Head of Process Engineering

Optotune Switzerland AG is a strongly growing and internationally active optics company based in Zurich, Switzerland. We develop, manufacture and market the latest generation of adaptive optical elements for industrial and consumer markets. Optotune’s vision is to enable our customers to create innovative products by providing them with unique optical components.

Are you a seasoned manager who has paid their dues developing manufacturing processes from the ground up and successfully transferring them to factories? We are seeking a Head of Process Engineering to lead a team of engineers to ensure the continued growth of our product portfolio through excellence in manufacturing. Ideally you are structured, driven, communicative, empathetic, and thrive making data-based decisions. You are more curious about the one sample that fails than the 99 that pass. If you are ready to make a significant impact and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.

Tasks

• Lead and manage a team of engineers and technicians, providing mentorship, motivation, professional development, and strategic direction
• Lead manufacturing process development from concept through handover to production, ensuring quality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness
• Support the Operations team in troubleshooting and yield improvement (CIP/KVP) activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, materials engineering, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering to translate requirements into robust processes
• Leverage data analytics and statistical process controlto guide and optimize processes
• Develop a process technology roadmap that is aligned with business objectives and market demands
• Establish comprehensive process documentation, SOPs, and training materials to ensure knowledge transfer and consistency

Requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related technical field
• 8+ years of process engineering experience with 5+ years in leadership role managing technical teams
• Proven track record of building and leading diverse, high-performing engineering teams
• Significant experience in manufacturing process development including DFM and tooling and custom machine design, preferably in high-volume production environments
• Experience with cleanroom environments and precision manufacturing equipment; experience with polymer and thin film processing preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in collaboration, strategic thinking, and planning required
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Expertise in FMEA, Gage R&R, DOE, SPC, CPK, and other statistical modelling techniques with track record of using such methods to drive decisions and process improvements
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies preferred
• Business fluency in English required; German preferred

Benefits

• Annual salary review and annual bonus (ESOP = Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
• Flexible working hours
• Home office
• Regular events: Ski day, Bike2Work, Friday beer, Optorocket, Float to work & more
• Great place to work activities (coffee/tea/fruits for free, various activities during the year) and Optogym
• Vacation: 5 weeks vacation + additional compensation days
• Pension (SWISS LIFE): Attractive pension fund package with coverage beyond the statutory requirements
• Sick day insurance: up to 730 days of salary coverage in the event of sickness
• Parenthood: 16 weeks maternity leave, 3 weeks paternity leave + flexible return policy

Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're excited about driving innovation in manufacturing and want to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team, we encourage you to apply today. Join us at Optotune and help shape the future of precision optics manufacturing!