Electron Optical Engineer / Electron Optics Design Expert

The Future of Metrology Starts at ZEISS

ZEISS Research Quality Solutions is shaping the future of advanced metrology. Drawing on more than 100 years of expertise, we develop high precision multisensory measurement systems, microscopy solutions, 3D X-ray technology, and powerful analysis software.

With a global footprint across Oberkochen, the United States, China, and India, supported by a strong worldwide service network, we enable customers to accelerate the development of innovative measurement concepts and optimize complex quality processes.

Our solutions support leading industries including electromobility, aerospace, medical technology, additive manufacturing, and plastics, helping drive innovation, efficiency, and product quality.

Within our Electron Microscopy business unit, you will contribute to cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of imaging, analysis, and measurement at the nanoscale.

Your Role

Help shape the electron-optical performance of next-generation scanning electron microscopes and focused Ion beam systems. In this role, you will turn physical principles and ambitious instrument requirements into robust, manufacturable designs—from the source to the sample:

• Design and optimize electron-optical columns, including electron sources, condenser and objective lenses, apertures, deflectors, stigmators, mirrors, aberration correctors and curvilinear systems.
• Model electric and magnetic fields, trace electron trajectories and predict probe size, current, brightness, working distance, depth of field and attainable resolution.
• Analyze and balance spherical and chromatic aberration, diffraction, astigmatism, source energy spread and stability across operating conditions.
• Develop scanning, focusing and alignment concepts, including their interactions with sample geometry and detector integration.
• Translate simulation results into practical component specifications; work with mechanical, electrical, vacuum, software and application teams to resolve design trade-offs.
• Plan measurements, evaluate prototype performance and investigate discrepancies between models and experimental results.
• Improve simulation, optimization and analysis tools and communicate design decisions clearly to project teams.

Your Profile

• A master’s degree or PhD in physics, electrical engineering or a closely related field, with a strong foundation in charged-particle optics and applied mathematics.
• Practical experience in electron-optical design, electromagnetic field calculation and ray tracing, ideally for SEM, STEM or related charged-particle instruments is preferred.
• The ability to connect theoretical predictions with mechanical tolerances, materials, vacuum constraints, power-supply stability and experimental evidence.
• Experience with numerical methods and scientific programming; familiarity with finite-element or boundary-element methods and C/C++ or scripting languages is an advantage.
• A structured, collaborative approach and the ability to explain complex physical trade-offs to colleagues across disciplines. Whether you have already led electron-optical designs or are ready to deepen a strong foundation in the field, we welcome your curiosity, sound physical judgement and drive to make demanding ideas work in real instruments.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Sandra Vogel