ETH Zurich Open Application for Electrical Engineer in the Development of Brain Imaging Technologies, Switzerland.
ETH Zurich Open Application for Electrical Engineer in the Development of Brain Imaging Technologies, Switzerland.
We are looking for an electrical engineer with strong experience in analogue electronics, PCB design, and system integration who will take technical ownership of the electronics development at the system level.
You will work closely with internal and external engineers and play a key role in translating system-level requirements into a robust, production-ready electronic platform.
In this role, you will be responsible for defining and overseeing the requirements for the ASIC development, integrating it into custom PCB designs, and developing the complete measurement unit.
About the Project
The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (RELab) at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich is developing next-generation brain imaging technologies.
RELab is an interdisciplinary research group with expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, movement science, neurorehabilitation, and neuroscience.
The lab uses robotics, wearable sensor technologies, and non-invasive neuroimaging to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in individuals with neurological injury, to promote recovery and independence.
A strong focus of RELab lies in understanding brain function and translating this knowledge into real-world applications.
Following this approach, we developed our own brain imaging system based on fNIRS and spun it out of ETH Zurich.
In this role, you will define system- and ASIC-level requirements, supervise the ASIC development carried out in collaboration with an external group, validate its performance, and integrate it into a new generation of our brain imaging hardware.
PROFILE AND QUALIFICATION
- MSc in electrical engineering, microelectronics, or a closely related field
- Proven experience with analog front-end design and translating system requirements into ASIC development projects (hands-on or supervisory)
- Strong background in mixed-signal electronics, analog front-ends, and low-noise design
- Experience with PCB design and system-level electronics integration
- Experience with firmware (C++) and software (Python) development
- Familiarity with optical systems and optoelectronic components is a strong plus
- Experience working with external development partners or foundries
- Structured, system-oriented thinking with a strong focus on validation and robustness
- Ability to work hands-on while keeping a system-level perspective
- Excellent written and spoken English; German is a plus
JOB DESCRIPTION.
Your tasks will include:
Technical supervision of an ASIC development project, including
- Definition of system and ASIC-level requirements, based on the existing setup
- Interface definition (analogue, digital, power, timing)
- Review of design choices in close collaboration with ASIC designers
- Validation strategy and test concept definition
System-level integration of the ASIC into the existing electronics framework
Development of the electronic architecture based on the ASIC, including
- PCB / PCBA design and review
- Power management and signal integrity
- Optical front-end integration (emitters, detectors, analog chains)
Close collaboration with firmware, software, and optics teams to ensure end-to-end system performance
Definition and execution of validation and verification procedures at the electronics and system level
Support of prototyping, testing, and early manufacturing ramp-up
Documentation of designs, requirements, and validation results in line with medical-device-oriented development.
BENEFITS AND SUPPORTS
- A collaborative and stimulating environment within a motivated and multidisciplinary team.
- A key technical role shaping the core hardware of our next product generation
- High ownership and responsibility in a small, highly skilled team
- Work at the intersection of ASIC design, optics, and medical-grade electronics
- Close collaboration with leading researchers, clinicians, and industry partners
- Strong professional growth opportunities
- We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience in the field. Mention your earliest possible starting date
- CV including degree certificates
- Transcript of records
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal.
Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the RELab and Optohive can be found on our website.
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Dominik Wyser, dominik.wyser@hest.ethz.ch.
