Technical Operator

About the Role

Join our team and help shape the future of high-speed optical technology. At Lumiphase, we are looking for full-time hands‑on technical operators to support our day‑to‑day R&D operations, wafer‑ and chip‑level testing activities, and assembly of photonic chips. You will work in cross‑functional teams with versatile responsibilities and in collaboration with other operators, engineers, and external partners.

This role is hands‑on, flexible, and operations‑focused, with a mix of testing, logistics, sample tracking, process flow, and general operational support. You will also have the opportunity to shape workflows, standards, and any operational organization.

• Document technical work, procedures, and process flows to support repeatable operations and knowledge transfer.
• Execute daily wafer and chip testing plans according to priorities and schedules.
• Support engineers with operating automated test equipment and basic hardware adjustments.
• Monitor tests, report results, and communicate issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate tracking and flow of wafers and samples.
• Manage wafer logistics, including shipping, tracking, receiving, and enable transfer of wafers between buildings or facilities.
• Coordinate with external suppliers and vendors (purchase and sales offices).
• Track sample inventory across process stages and maintain accurate records.
• Support packaging operations, including incoming and outgoing optical inspection of packaged devices.
• Collaborate closely with photonics engineers, operations staff, and external partners to ensure smooth execution of development and production activities.
• Follow cleanroom, safety, and handling protocols for wafers, devices, and optical components.

• Support and execute backend tasks such as die sorting, die packaging, chip deliveries, and sample preparation.
• Support and execute material and metrology activities whenever needed.
• Support loading/unloading of samples for reliability tests.
• Assist in lab and operational upgrades, routine maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Hands‑on, flexible, and adaptable: you may rotate periodically between functions to gain broad operational experience.
• Willingness to work in shift operation, with a permanent future setup of two shifts covering 06:00–22:00.

• Minimum 2-3 years of hands‑on experience in a technical environment, or equivalent technical education.
• Prior experience with semiconductors, photonics, cleanroom environments, or hardware is a strong plus.
• Comfortable working in a cleanroom environment, following safety rules and procedures.
• Comfortable operating technical equipment and adhering to standardized work instructions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, for data entry, tracking, and reporting.
• Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working in a fast‑paced startup environment where priorities can shift and processes evolve.
• Strong communicator with good verbal and written English skills, who can work across engineering, operations, and external partners (German communication skills are a plus).
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and reliable when managing physical assets and technical records.
• Able to balance hands‑on lab/logistics work with structured documentation.
• Motivated to work in a high‑tech environment and to continuously learn and improve operational skills.

• ZVV (Zürich region) annual transport pass and Halbtax.
• 2 additional parental leave weeks.
• Flexible hours and hybrid work possibilities.
• On‑site fitness room, canteen, and top‑quality espresso machine.
• Weekly yoga classes.
• And a lot of fun team events!

• 30‑minute phone interview to discuss general career motivations and present the company and this role.
• 1‑1.5 hour phone interview with 1‑2 members of the hiring team to deep‑dive into the core skills requirements.
• On‑site visit to interview with and meet many members of the team you would be working in, often including lunch and a strong sense of the company culture and individuals.

We built our company culture from day one, step by step, with the direct…