Full-Time
Lead AI Engineer
Updated on 9/9/2026
Zeiss
1,001-5,000 employees
Corporate venture capital for deep-tech startups
No salary listed
Oberkochen, Germany
In Person
Bachelor's
 Software Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- A university degree in computer science, engineering, or a comparable field.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience developing and integrating software solutions, including at least 2 years working with modern AI systems such as generative AI, large language models, or agentic AI.
- Experience with rapid prototyping and building agent-based AI applications.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate AI technologies in a business context and demonstrate their potential.
- Strong knowledge of Python for AI development and understanding of .NET/C# interfaces for system integration.
- Experience with agentic frameworks and orchestration tools such as LangChain/LangGraph, Microsoft Semantic Kernel, or AutoGen.
- Experience with cloud-based and on-premise/local large language models, including Azure OpenAI, vLLM, Ollama, and Hugging Face.
- Practical experience with retrieval-augmented generation architectures and vector databases such as Qdrant and Azure AI Search.
- Familiarity with API development such as FastAPI and containerization with Docker for deploying functional prototypes.
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to different audiences.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, particularly Enterprise Architecture Management and IT Security.
- Flexibility and pragmatism to develop innovative solutions quickly and efficiently.
- Select and integrate AI frameworks, models, and platforms that meet organizational requirements.
- Develop agent-based AI prototypes using cloud and on-premise APIs.
- Collaborate with business departments to understand requirements and translate them into technical concepts.
- Support teams in adopting AI technologies, including creating roadmaps and recommendations.
- Conduct workshops, courses, and training to promote adoption and understanding of AI technologies.
- Build an internal AI community to strengthen knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Coordinate closely with Enterprise Architecture Management to integrate AI solutions into the broader enterprise architecture.
- Collaborate with IT Security to address data protection and security requirements early and secure solutions accordingly.
- Support the handover of successful prototypes to IT and development teams for further development and scaling.
- Monitor current AI trends and developments through a trend radar.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies and approaches that may be relevant to the organization.
- Document and communicate pilot-project results using KPIs such as time savings, process improvements, and innovation potential.
- Enthusiasm for AI and the ability to inspire others about these technologies.
ZEISS Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the ZEISS Group, investing in deep-tech startups in Information Technology, Industrial Tech, MedTech, and Life Sciences. It backs early-stage companies at pre-Series A to Series A with typical investments of $1–5 million. The fund provides capital and tailored funding solutions, leveraging ZEISS’s global network and optics/optoelectronics expertise to support portfolio companies. Its goal is to accelerate the development of new technologies and business models that complement ZEISS’s portfolio while actively engaging with external innovation.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Growth Equity (Non-Venture Capital)
Total Funding
$67.7M
Headquarters
Oberkochen, Germany
Founded
2001
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- ZEISS Ventures led SeeTrue's €2.2 million round on 2026-08-05, reinforcing eye-tracking leadership.
- ZEISS backed Maculaser and Custom Surgical in 2026, deepening ophthalmology innovation pipelines.
- ZEISS launched Otus ML 1.4/35, Panoptes 65, and DuraVision Plus in 2026.
What critics are saying
- ZEISS Meditec plans up to 1,000 job cuts through 2028/29 after 5.7% revenue decline.
- ProfitUp requires over €150m restructuring costs, signaling weak margins and execution strain.
- If ophthalmology turnaround fails, ZEISS Meditec drags group cash flow and venture appetite.
What makes Zeiss unique
- ZEISS Ventures backs deep-tech tied to ZEISS optics, medtech, and industrial workflows.
- ZEISS brings distribution, engineering, and clinical validation to early startups like Custom Surgical.
- ZEISS spans lenses, microscopy, and eye care, creating cross-selling across adjacent markets.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Performance Bonus
Company News
ZEISS Medical Technology has launched a cataract-only configuration of its DORC EVA NEXUS ophthalmic surgical system. The system features a cataract grade selection with up to four programmable presets, allowing surgeons to optimise phaco, aspiration, and irrigation settings for each surgical step. The solution includes VacuFlow VTi pump, SMART IOP, and EVA EQUIPHACO technologies, designed to provide streamlined performance, stability, and control during procedures. It integrates with the ZEISS Cataract Workflow portfolio. The system debuted at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons congress in London. It will become available in select European countries from September 2026, with global rollout pending regulatory approvals. The technology expands ZEISS's existing EVA NEXUS platform, which previously focused on retina workflows.
ZEISS Medical Technology announced FDA 510(k) clearance for ZEISS CLINIC 360, a cloud-based software solution that aggregates ophthalmic clinical data and provides advanced analytics. The browser-based platform combines diagnostic and medical data into a comprehensive patient view, helping clinicians evaluate disease progression and support treatment decisions. The solution integrates data from DICOM-enabled diagnostic devices, including ZEISS's CIRRUS, CLARUS and HFA systems, as well as third-party devices. It features disease-based summaries, interactive analysis tools, and collaboration capabilities through ZEISS Collaborative Care. ZEISS CLINIC 360 will be available in the US in early autumn 2026 on a subscription basis with low upfront costs. The platform complements ZEISS FORUM, the company's on-premise data management system, giving providers flexibility in choosing their preferred infrastructure approach.
ZEISS Ventures led a €2.2 million investment round in SeeTrue Technologies, a Finnish deep-tech company developing miniaturised eye-tracking technology. The funding will accelerate commercialisation of SeeTrue's ultra-low-power eye-sensing architecture for next-generation interfaces in smart optical systems and eyewear. SeeTrue's proprietary technology combines miniaturised sensing hardware with optimised embedded processing, enabling scalable eye-sensing capabilities with low power consumption and small hardware footprint. The technology supports gaze-based interaction and attention-aware computing across healthcare, industrial, and smart eyewear applications. The investment round includes participation from Superhero Capital and North Karelia Growth Fund, managed by Redstone Nordics. Founded in 2018 and based in Joensuu, Finland, SeeTrue develops ultra-miniature eye-tracking technology for medical optical systems, vision care, and smart wearables.
ZEISS Medical Technology has announced successful early clinical implantations of its AT LUCIA toric 721P intraocular lens, designed to treat cataracts whilst correcting astigmatism. The company is conducting an early-access clinical trial with experienced surgeons across six European countries. The lens combines an aspheric bitoric optic with a patented non-constant aberration design on a fully preloaded, hydrophobic platform. Surgeons have reported positive early impressions, highlighting the lens's precision, stability and surgical handling. Currently CE marked, the AT LUCIA toric 721P will be showcased at the International Congress of German Ophthalmic Surgery in Nuremberg from 18–20 June 2026. The lens is expected to be commercially available in select European countries later this year.
ZEISS Ventures has invested in Maculaser, a Finnish medtech company developing temperature-controlled retinal laser therapy, through a funding round co-led with M2care. The investment will support clinical development of the company's personalized treatment for retinal diseases. Founded in 2020 and based on research from Aalto University, Maculaser has developed patented technology that provides real-time temperature control during laser treatment. The non-damaging approach activates natural cellular defence mechanisms, targeting affected retinal areas early to delay or prevent progression of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic maculopathy. The technology aims to shift retinal care from managing late-stage damage to proactive vision preservation, offering an outpatient procedure that integrates into regular eye care. Maculaser plans to bring the treatment into clinical practice to benefit millions of patients worldwide.