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 pioneering a new generation of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology aimed at enabling rapid, wearable brain recordings. A key aspect of this initiative involves the integration of a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

About the Role

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.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (RELab) at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich is dedicated to developing next-generation brain imaging technologies.

RELab is an interdisciplinary research group with expertise spanning mechanical and electrical engineering, movement science, neurorehabilitation, and neuroscience. The lab employs robotics, wearable sensor technologies, and non-invasive neuroimaging to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in individuals with neurological injuries, with the goal of promoting recovery and independence.

A major focus of RELab is understanding brain function and translating this knowledge into practical applications. Following this approach, we have developed our own brain imaging system based on fNIRS, which has been successfully spun out of ETH Zurich.

Key Responsibilities

In this position, you will define system- and ASIC-level requirements, supervise the ASIC development in collaboration with an external group, validate its performance, and integrate it into the next generation of our brain imaging hardware. Your tasks will include:

• 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 collaboration with ASIC designers
• Defining validation strategy and test concepts
• 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 both electronics and system levels
• Support prototyping, testing, and early manufacturing ramp-up
• Document designs, requirements, and validation results in accordance with medical-device-oriented development standards

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with the following 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
• Familiarity with firmware (C++) and software (Python) development
• Strong knowledge of optical systems and optoelectronic components is a significant advantage
• 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; proficiency in German is a plus

What We Offer

Join us in a collaborative and stimulating environment as part of a motivated, multidisciplinary team. You will play a key technical role in shaping the core hardware of our next product generation, with significant ownership and responsibility in a small, highly skilled team. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of ASIC design, optics, and medical-grade electronics while collaborating closely with leading researchers, clinicians, and industry partners.

We are committed to fostering professional growth and offer numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports activities provided by ASVZ, childcare support, and attractive pension benefits.

Application Information

To express your interest in this exciting opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about RELab and optohive, please visit our website or LinkedIn. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Dominik Wyser at dominik.wyser@hest.ethz.ch (no applications).