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 developing a new generation of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology aimed at enabling fast, wearable brain recordings. A central element of this project is the integration of a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

About Us

The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (RELab) at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich is pioneering next-generation brain imaging technologies. RELab is an interdisciplinary research group, bringing together expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, movement science, neurorehabilitation, and neuroscience. Our lab utilizes robotics, wearable sensor technologies, and non-invasive neuroimaging to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in individuals with neurological injuries, promoting recovery and independence.

With a strong emphasis on understanding brain function and translating this knowledge into real-world applications, we have developed our own brain imaging system based on fNIRS, which has been successfully spun out of ETH Zurich.

Your Role

In this pivotal role, you will define system- and ASIC-level requirements, oversee the ASIC development in collaboration with external partners, validate performance, and integrate it into a new generation of our brain imaging hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical supervision of an ASIC development project, including:
• Definition of system and ASIC-level requirements based on the existing setup
• Interface definition (analog, 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 accordance with medical-device-oriented development

Qualifications

• 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 maintaining a system-level perspective
• Excellent written and spoken English; German is a plus

What We Offer

• 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
• Commitment to sustainability and climate neutrality
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports offerings by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For further information about RELab and Optohive, please visit our website or LinkedIn. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Dominik Wyser at dominik.wyser@hest.ethz.ch (no applications).