Mask Design Engineer - 80-100%

Coherent Corp. is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and material technologies used by customers worldwide across industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets.

With a broad global footprint and deep engineering capability, we combine advanced manufacturing, applied innovation, and customer collaboration to deliver high-performance solutions that enable critical technologies and solve complex, real-world challenges.

About Coherent in Switzerland
Coherent Corp. Zurich is a key research and production hub specializing in advanced photonics, engineered materials, and high-power semiconductor laser technologies. Our teams develop and manufacture opto-electronic components and laser diodes for industrial, optical data transmission, life science, and high-precision applications, combining strong in-house R&D with state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing in an engineering-led culture.

Location: Zurich, Switzerland (Onsite with 1 day home office) | Employment Type: Permanent, 80-100%

Job Summary

As a Mask Design Engineer, you will develop and maintain photomask layouts for VCSEL, Edge Emitter and Photodiode products from initial concept through to production.

Working within our Process Integration team, you will collaborate with Research and Development, Process Engineering, Lithography and Production to translate new device concepts into manufacturable mask designs, establish layout standards and improve design processes through scripting and automation.

This opportunity is suitable both for candidates with professional photomask design experience and for recent Master’s or PhD graduates who have gained relevant practical experience through a thesis, research project, or other academic work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain photomask layouts for semiconductor laser and photodiode products from initial concept through to production

• Translate device and process requirements into accurate and manufacturable mask designs

• Work closely with Research and Development, Process Engineering, Lithography, and Production teams throughout the product development process

• Define, maintain, and improve mask design rules, layout standards, and verification methods

• Review mask layouts, identify required corrections, and provide technical guidance to project teams

• Support lithographic simulations and process verification activities

• Develop Python scripts and other automation solutions to improve the speed, accuracy, and consistency of mask design activities

• Support mask ordering, technical documentation, manufacturing system activities, and engineering change processes

• Contribute to the development of mask designs for increasingly complex structures, including dense arrays, submicron patterns, tapers, and lens features

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Microsystems Engineering, or a related technical field

• Experience in photomask design and layout development for semiconductor or photonic devices, gained through professional experience, a thesis, research, or another relevant academic project

Required Skills

• A good understanding of lithography principles and how mask layouts are transferred into physical device structures

• Experience using Python for scripting, automation, data processing, or engineering applications

• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git

• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the confidence to clarify requirements and contribute ideas when working across different technical teams

• Fluent written and spoken English

Additional skills

• Experience with advanced lithography concepts such as grayscale lithography, optical proximity effects, optical proximity correction, or submicron patterning

• Knowledge of stepper systems or deep ultraviolet lithography technology

• German language skills

Application Process

All candidates who wish to apply should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

Applications for this role close end of day on Monday, 17 August 2026.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to [email protected]. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.