Senior Scientist – Optimization Algorithms & Software Development (m/f/x) in Oberkochen

ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

Enabler for smaller, more powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips

Working for tomorrow today.

Around 80 percent of all microchips worldwide are produced using ZEISS technologies. As the centerpiece of every electronically controlled system, they have become an integral part of our everyday lives – whether in smartphones, smart homes or smart factories. ZEISS is a technology leader in the field of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With high-precision lithography optics, photomask systems and process control solutions, ZEISS enables the production of ever smaller, increasingly powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips, and thus plays a pivotal role in the age of micro- and nanoelectronics.

As a developer for the system optimization of EUV lithography systems, you will help advance some of the world’s most sophisticated optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing. You will develop physical and mathematical models, optimization algorithms, and robust software solutions used in both system development and production. Working closely with experts from optical design, metrology, process development, production, system engineering, and software development, you will turn complex technical challenges into scalable and sustainable solutions. Depending on the task, you will coordinate technical activities or small expert teams and take responsibility for the quality, schedule, and results of your work.

Your Role

• Design, refine, and implement physical and mathematical models as well as numerical algorithms for the adjustment and optimization of complex optical systems.
• Analyze system and production behavior, identify optimization potential, and validate solutions through simulations and experiments under realistic conditions.
• Translate mathematical and physical concepts into robust, maintainable, and testable software used in development and production, primarily in MATLAB and complementary software environments.
• Shape and drive the evolution of our software architecture, including modularization, interfaces, data flows, reusable components, and automated testing—while ensuring the continued operation of existing functionality.
• Establish and promote modern software development practices across projects through code and design reviews, regression testing, version control, knowledge sharing, pairing, and technical mentoring.
• Coordinate activities across optical design, metrology, production, system engineering, and customer interfaces; where appropriate, lead small expert teams and support the introduction of new processes and future technologies.

Your Profile

• A degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, natural sciences, or a related field; a PhD is an advantage.
• Strong expertise in mathematical optimization, numerical methods, physical modeling, or related algorithmic disciplines, with experience applying them to complex technical systems.
• Extensive experience in software and algorithm development, ideally for scientific, technical, or production-related applications.
• Strong proficiency in MATLAB; experience with Python, C#, C++, or comparable languages is an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of software architecture and design, including modularization, interfaces, maintainability, testability, reusable components, and the incremental modernization of existing software systems.
• A proven ability to connect physical domain knowledge, mathematical algorithms, and professional software engineering, combined with fluent English at C1 level and a pragmatic, structured, and collaborative working style.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team

Sandra Köhler