ZEISS

Lead Software Engineer (f/m/x)

Germany · Work style not stated · Full time

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About the role

Description from the employer’s posting. Check the employer’s page for the current version.

EmployerZEISS
LocationGermany
Work styleWork style not stated
Employment typeFull time
Employer posted17 Sep 2026

Enabler for smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient microchips

Working for tomorrow today.

Around 80 percent of all microchips worldwide are produced using ZEISS technologies. As the centerpiece of every electronically controlled system, they have become an integral part of our everyday lives – whether in smartphones, smart homes or smart factories. ZEISS is a technology leader in the field of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With high-precision lithography optics, photomask systems and process control solutions, ZEISS enables the production of ever smaller, increasingly powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips, and thus plays a pivotal role in the age of micro- and nanoelectronics.

The position is part of the development of adaptive lithography optics systems. You will work in an interdisciplinary environment with experienced experts, junior developers and external service providers.

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Your role

Design and develop embedded software for mechatronic control systems used in adaptive lithography optics systems
Solve technically challenging problems as a senior expert and support and qualify junior developers within projects
Work on several projects simultaneously and deliver innovative, high-quality software solutions
Develop tailor-made C and Python solutions for embedded Linux and ARM-based bare-metal systems
Cover the entire development lifecycle, from requirements analysis through to series readiness
Support initial in-house commissioning
Ensure long-term software availability through high-quality documentation

You will contribute your expertise to innovative lithography systems and collaborate closely with colleagues from control engineering, optics, electronics and process engineering.

Your profile

Successfully completed university degree in physics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science or a comparable field
Several years of relevant experience in embedded software development
Strong Linux knowledge and experience with the GCC toolchain, including Makefiles
Proficiency in C, Python and Git, including pull requests and code reviews
Familiarity with low-level protocols and concepts such as SPI, I²C, MMIO or PCI/PCIe
Experience with testing and automation tools, as well as specification work
Strong technical and communication skills and an openness to challenges in a VUCA environment
Willingness to share knowledge in interdisciplinary teams
Openness to experimenting with artificial intelligence and developing agent-based systems
Outstanding personal projects or GitHub activities are welcome
German language skills at least B2 level and English language skills at least B2 level

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Matthias Sonnentag

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