Electrical Engineer / Electrical Engineeress

Department of Health Sciences and Technology, D-HEST

At ETH Zurich, in close collaboration with the spin-off optohive, we are at the forefront of developing a new generation of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology. This innovation aims to facilitate fast, wearable brain recordings, with a key focus on integrating a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

About RELab

The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (RELab) at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology is dedicated to pioneering next-generation brain imaging technologies. RELab is an interdisciplinary research group that combines expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, movement science, neurorehabilitation, and neuroscience.

Our lab employs robotics, wearable sensor technologies, and non-invasive neuroimaging to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in individuals with neurological injuries, striving to promote recovery and independence. A significant emphasis is placed on understanding brain function and translating this knowledge into practical applications, exemplified by our proprietary brain imaging system based on fNIRS, which has successfully spun out of ETH Zurich.

Your Role

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for defining system- and ASIC-level requirements, supervising the ASIC development in collaboration with external partners, validating its performance, and integrating it into our next-generation brain imaging hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical supervision of an ASIC development project, including:
• Defining system and ASIC-level requirements based on the existing setup
• Interface definition (analog, digital, power, timing)
• Reviewing design choices in close collaboration with ASIC designers
• Defining validation strategies and test concepts
• Integrating 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)
• Collaborating with firmware, software, and optics teams to ensure end-to-end system performance
• Defining and executing validation and verification procedures at both electronics and system levels
• Supporting prototyping, testing, and early manufacturing ramp-up
• Documenting designs, requirements, and validation results in alignment with medical-device-oriented development

Qualifications

• MSc in electrical engineering, microelectronics, or a closely related field
• Proven experience with analog front-end design and transitioning 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
• Proficiency in 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
• Hands-on experience while maintaining a system-level perspective
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in German is a plus

Why Join Us?

You will become part of a collaborative and stimulating environment within a motivated and multidisciplinary team. This key technical role will allow you to shape the core hardware of our next product generation, providing high ownership and responsibility in a small, highly skilled group.

You will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of ASIC design, optics, and medical-grade electronics, closely collaborating with leading researchers, clinicians, and industry partners. We also offer strong professional growth opportunities and are actively committed to a sustainable, climate-neutral university.

Benefits

You can expect numerous perks, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide range of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further Information

For more information about RELab and optohive, please visit our website or LinkedIn. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Dominik Wyser at dominick.wyser@hest.ethz.ch (please note that applications sent to this email will not be considered).