Electrical Engineer in Development of Brain Imaging Technologies

At ETH Zurich, in close collaboration with the spin‑off optohive, we are developing a new generation of functional near‑infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology to enable fast, wearable brain recordings. A central element of this project is the integration of a custom application‑specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The Rehabilitation Engineering Lab (RELab) at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich is developing next‑generation brain imaging technologies. RELab is an interdisciplinary research group with expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, movement science, neurorehabilitation, and neuroscience. The lab uses robotics, wearable sensor technologies, and non‑invasive neuroimaging to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in individuals with neurological injury, with the goal of promoting recovery and independence.

A strong focus of RELab lies in understanding brain function and translating this knowledge into real‑world applications. Following this approach, we developed our own brain imaging system based on fNIRS and spun it out of ETH Zurich.

In this role, you will define system‑ and ASIC‑level requirements, supervise the ASIC development carried out in collaboration with an external group, validate its performance, and integrate it into a new generation of our brain imaging hardware.

We are looking for an electrical engineer with strong experience in analog electronics, PCB design, and system integration who will take technical ownership of the electronics development at system level. You will work closely with internal and external engineers and play a key role in translating system‑level requirements into a robust, production‑ready electronic platform.

Your tasks will include:

• Technical supervision of an ASIC development project, including
  • Definition of system and ASIC‑level requirements, based on the existing setup
  • Interface definition (analog, digital, power, timing)
  • Review of design choices in close collaboration with ASIC designers
  • Validation strategy and test concept definition
• 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 electronics and system level
• Support of prototyping, testing, and early manufacturing ramp‑up
• Documentation of designs, requirements, and validation results in line with medical‑device‑oriented development

• 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
• Experience with firmware (C++) and software (Python) development
• Familiarity with optical systems and optoelectronic components is a strong plus
• 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 keeping a system‑level perspective
• Excellent written and spoken English;
  German is a plus

• A collaborative and stimulating environment within a motivated and multidisciplinary team.
• A key technical role shaping the core hardware of our next product generation
• High ownership and responsibility in a small, highly skilled team
• Work at the intersection of ASIC design, optics, and medical‑grade electronics
• Close collaboration with leading researchers, clinicians, and industry partners
• Strong professional growth opportunities
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate‑neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich.