Careers

Position Overwiew

Vanguard is seeking an Industrial Software Engineer to join our team in creating highly differentiated solutions for photonic integration and packaging. In this role, you will collaborate closely with a cross-disciplinary research-and-development team to conceptualize, architect, and implement software for processes, devices, and systems used in 3D nano print applications. This position plays a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring the seamless integration of new technologies into existing systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains automation software for devices and systems using C# and Python
• Collaborates with R&D and industrial engineering teams on new product ideas, process improvements, and customer-specific software solutions
• Continuous improvement of the development and deployment process.
• Designs and implements unit and integration tests
• Provide clear and comprehensive documentation and version control
• Participate in time estimation and capacity planning

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in industrial and device-related software development, ideally using C# and python
• Proficiency with source control and CI/CD
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with image processing using HALCON or other image processing libraries is preferred
• Experience with agile project management is preferred

Personal Characteristics

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and constructive approach
• Independent, proactive, and eager to learn and innovate
• High sense of responsibility and ownership
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

What we offer

• A chance to be part of a dynamic, ambitious team driving innovation in 3D lithography.
• A creative and excellence-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation, flat hierarchies, and substantial career growth opportunities in a young and expanding high-tech company.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and respect for individuals.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our team.

The role

We are seeking a Material Development Engineer, Formulation Scientist (m/f/d) to join our team in Karlsruhe. In this position, you will be responsible for developing innovative material formulations and supporting in the reliability testing of existing and new materials/processes in the field of photonic integration and packaging.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative materials for 3D-printed micro-optical elements from initial lab explorations to validation and commercialization
• Perform material characterizations at the assembly level to support corrective actions in formulation development and related processes
• Enhance and develop advanced characterization techniques to investigate property-structure relationship, to study process parameters, and to analyse product failure modes
• Generate data reports for process and product qualifications
• Provide support to cross-functional teams to ensure compliance of materials and processes reliability with industry standards and customer expectations

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or related field
• Solid understanding in polymer chemistry and polymer physics
• Technical expertise in resin/polymer formulation development including a wide range of high-performance materials: acrylate, urethane, epoxy, siloxane, etc.
• Experience in process optimization and new product development
• Experience in data analysis using statistical software (Design of Experiments)
• Able to work independently in cross-functional teams
• Excellent proficiency in English

Personal Characteristics

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and constructive approach
• Independent, proactive, and eager to learn and innovate
• High sense of responsibility and ownership
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

What we offer

• A chance to be part of a dynamic, ambitious team driving innovation in 3D lithography.
• A creative and excellence-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation, flat hierarchies, and substantial career growth opportunities in a rapidly growing startup.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and respect for individuals.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our team.

The role

We are looking for a Reliability Testing Operator or Technician (m/f/d) to support our development team in Karlsruhe. In this position, you will be responsible for building, fabrication, characterization, and monitoring of assemblies under different environmental conditions as well as the quality control of the corresponding processes.

Responsibilities

• Building and testing of standard assemblies in the field of integrated optics/photonics packaging
• Execution of standard test series including measurement, evaluation and documentation
• Support in failure mode analysis and reliability engineering
• Quality assurance of materials and processes

Qualifications

• Basic technical knowledge and willingness to explore new technical areas and practical tasks
• Training as a laboratory technician is an advantage, including microtechnologist, physical-technical assistant, microsystems technician, chemical-technical assistant or a comparable qualification
• Ability to work independently in an international team
• Good knowledge of English and/or German is an advantage

Personal Characteristics

• Result-driven mindset and good problem-solving skills
• High sense of responsibility and reliability
• Independent, proactive, and desired to learn
• Good teamwork and communication skills

What we offer

We offer you a position in a growing, future-orientated company with flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths. You will have the opportunity to help shape and develop innovative projects in a high-tech environment. In addition, we offer a performance-related salary and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our team.

The role

We are seeking a Reliability Engineer or Assembly/Test/Packaging Engineer (m/f/d) to join our team in Karlsruhe. In this position, you will be responsible for developing assembly process technologies and supporting in the reliability testing programs of existing and new processes and products in the field of photonic integration and packaging, ensuring their robustness and reliability in demanding application scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement reliability strategies and processes
• Develop and validate design rules to establish high-yield assembly processes, which includes assembly/test, thermal/mechanical solutions, and photonic packaging aspects
• Monitor ongoing reliability testing and qualification activities and establish standard procedures and processes
• Perform failure analysis for reliability issues to support corrective actions and mitigation strategies in design, assembly, and 3D lithography processes
• Generate reliability data reports for process and product qualification

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Optics & Photonics, Microsystems Engineering, Physics, or a comparable qualification
• While not all are required, possessing one or more of the following skills will be beneficial:
  • Experience in failure mode analysis of integrated photonic assemblies
  • Experience in optical and thermal-mechanical characterization of 3D printed microstructures
  • Knowledge of industrial reliability testing standards
  • Experience in data analysis using statistical software
  • Knowledge of thermal/mechanical modeling
• Able to work independently in cross-functional teams
• Excellent proficiency in English

Personal Characteristics

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and constructive approach
• High sense of responsibility and ownership
• Independent, proactive, and eager to learn and innovate

What we offer

We offer you a position in a growing, future-orientated company with flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths. You will have the opportunity to help shape and develop innovative projects in a high-tech environment. In addition, we offer a performance-related salary and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our team.

Rolle

In dieser Position sind Sie verantwortlich für die Montage, begleiten die Inbetriebnahme und die Wartung unserer 3D-Lithographiesysteme. Ihre praktischen Fähigkeiten und Ihr Engagement sind entscheidend für die Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit unserer Produkte.

Verantwortlichkeiten

• Montage und Aufbau von Systemkomponenten für industrielle 3D-Lithographiewerkzeuge
• Unterstützung bei der Durchführung von Funktionsprüfungen und Qualitätskontrollen
• Mitarbeit bei der Systeminstallation und bei Prozessanpassungen
• Unterstützung bei der Optimierung von Montage- und Wartungsprozessen
• Zusammenarbeit mit technischen Teams zur Sicherstellung der Produktqualität

Ihr Profil

• Technische Grundkenntnisse und die Bereitschaft zur Einarbeitung in neue Aufgabenbereiche
• Ausbildung als Industriemechaniker, Industrieelektriker, Mechatroniker, Labortechniker oder eine vergleichbare technische Ausbildung ist von Vorteil
• Praktische Erfahrung in einem handwerklichen Beruf ist von Vorteil
• Gute Problemlösungsfähigkeiten
• hohes Qualitätsbewusstsein
• Fähigkeit zur selbstständigen Arbeit in einem international besetzten Team, Englischkenntnisse sind von Vorteil.

Persönliche Merkmale

• ausgeprägte Eigeninitiative und eine hohe Motivation
• hohes Verantwortungsbewusstsein und hohe Zuverlässigkeit
• Gute Kommunikations- und Teamfähigkeit
• Motivation zur ständigen Weiterbildung und Anpassung an neue Technologien

Unser Angebot

Wir bieten Ihnen eine Position in einem wachsenden, zukunftsorientierten Unternehmen mit flachen Hierarchien und kurzen Entscheidungswegen. Sie erhalten die Möglichkeit, innovative Projekte in einem hochtechnologischen Umfeld mitzugestalten und weiterzuentwickeln. Darüber hinaus bieten wir eine leistungsbezogene Vergütung und umfassende Möglichkeiten zur fachlichen und persönlichen Weiterentwicklung.

Werden Sie Teil des Teams

Senden Sie Ihren Lebenslauf und ein Motivationsschreiben an jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com. Wir freuen uns darauf, mehr über Sie zu erfahren und Sie möglicherweise in unserem Team willkommen zu heißen

Background

In this position, you will be responsible for the assembly, commissioning and maintenance of our 3D lithography systems. Your practical skills and commitment are crucial to the quality and reliability of our products.

Responsibilities

• Assembly and installation of system components for industrial 3D lithography tools
• Support in carrying out functional tests and quality controls
• Assistance with system installation and process adjustments
• Support in the optimisation of assembly and maintenance processes
• Collaboration with technical teams to ensure product quality

Qualifications

• Basic technical knowledge and willingness to familiarise yourself with new areas of responsibility
• Training as an industrial mechanic, mechatronics technician, laboratory technician or comparable technical training is an advantage
• Practical experience in a skilled trade is an advantage
• Good problem-solving skills
• High quality awareness
• Ability to work independently in an international team, knowledge of English and German is an advantage.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong initiative and high motivation
• High sense of responsibility and reliability
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Motivation for continuous further training and adaptation to new technologies

What we offer

We offer you a position in a growing, future-orientated company with flat hierarchies and short decision-making paths. You will have the opportunity to help shape and develop innovative projects in a high-tech environment. In addition, we offer a performance-related salary and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our team.

Background

This role presents a unique opportunity for a talented mid-senior level professional to help a fast-growing German high-tech company build a strong technical support team. We are looking for an individual who brings a strong technical background in photonics and/or advanced 3D micro fabrication to the table. As part of our technical support team, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring our customers’ success. If you thrive on solving technical challenges and enjoy engaging with clients, this position is tailor-made for you.

Role

As a Support Engineer, you’ll be the go-to person for handling customer inquiries related to our technology. From answering simple queries to conducting on-site visits, you’ll be at the forefront of customer satisfaction. Since we are one of the pioneers in this field, this position offers an opportunity to work on novel and interesting topics in photonic integration and 3D micro fabrication. During the initial onboarding phase, you will work with our talented team to design, develop, and validate processes for 3D micro fabrication of functional devices in the field of photonic integration. This hands-on experience will equip with the knowledge needed to competently support our customers.

Responsibilities

Core

• Carry out remote or in-person tests on customer machines to identify any issues.
• Carry out basic optical path alignment and maintenance.
• Become proficient in the fabrication of 3D-printed freeform waveguides and micro-optical elements, deploying them on  Vanguard Automation’s 3D lithography systems.
• Support customers in developing, deploying, and running their specific processes and in integrating our solution into their workflow.
• Interface with the Vanguard Automation engineering team to address critical customer concerns.

Growth opportunities

• Develop strong customer relations at a technical level to gain further insight into direction and needs of the customer.
• Analyze problems and recommend solutions on the Vanguard Automation platform to optimize customer results.
• Collaborate closely with the Vanguard Automation engineering teams on new product ideas and standard process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master or PhD degree in Optics & Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Physics, or a comparable qualification
• Able to work independently within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience in design, fabrication, and testing of integrated optical components, and/or the development of fabrication processes for photonic devices, ideally based on 3D lithography is a plus
• Strong communication skills ideally combined with experience in customer interaction
• Full professional proficiency in the English language

Personal Characteristics

• Self-motivated, highly proactive, strong curiosity, and desire to learn
• High sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills and sense of humility
• Constructive and pragmatic problem solving

What we offer

• A chance to be part of a dynamic, ambitious team driving innovation in 3D lithography.
• A creative and excellence-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation, flat hierarchies, and substantial career growth opportunities in a rapidly growing startup.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and respect for individuals.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.

Background

This role presents a unique opportunity for a talented mid-senior level professional to help a fast-growing German high-tech company build a strong technical support team. We are looking for an individual who brings a strong technical background in photonics and/or advanced 3D micro fabrication to the table. As part of our technical support team, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring our customers’ success. If you thrive on solving technical challenges and enjoy engaging with clients, this position is tailor-made for you.

Responsibilities

• Installation and commissioning of our complex high precision lithography and development systems at our customers’ sites
• Regular maintenance work
• Supporting customers with technical and application-related issues (on-site as per necessity)
• Training our customers in utilizing our machines to their full potential
• Performing machine demonstrations as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master or PhD degree in Optics & Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Physics, or a comparable qualification
• Willingness to travel 50% nationally and internationally
• Understanding of optical systems and high-precision motion control
• Strong communication skills ideally combined with experience in customer interaction
• Good knowledge of English
• International driving licence is a plus

Personal Characteristics

• Self-motivated, highly proactive, strong curiosity, and desire to learn
• High sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills and sense of humility
• Constructive and pragmatic problem solving

What we offer

• A chance to be part of a dynamic, ambitious team driving innovation in 3D lithography.
• A creative and excellence-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation, flat hierarchies, and substantial career growth opportunities in a rapidly growing startup.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and respect for individuals.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.

About Vanguard Automation

Vanguard Automation, a rapidly expanding high-tech startup, is at the forefront of revolutionizing photonic integration and packaging through advanced 3D lithography. Located in the dynamic and innovative hub of Karlsruhe, Germany, we are in close proximity to the renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Our team, comprising experts in photonics, material science, precision opto-mechanics, software development, and automation engineering, collaborates with global customers to deliver cutting-edge automated assembly processes and machines for 3D nano-printing.

The Role

As a Process Development Engineer in our R&D team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of 3D lithography for photonic integration. Your expertise will drive the development of groundbreaking freeform optical elements, encompassing everything from conceptualization to process optimization. This role demands a blend of creativity, technical prowess, and a deep understanding of the physical principles underlying photonic devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate and develop fabrication methodologies for micro-optical elements using our state-of-the-art 3D lithography platform.
• Conduct simulations and research to explore new fabrication strategies, ensuring their viability for production-scale implementation.
• Design and implement rigorous testing procedures for quality control of optical assemblies and elements.
• Collaborate with software and application development teams to transition new processes to our customers, enhancing their adoption of our technology.

Your Profile

• A Master’s or PhD in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• An analytical approach to testing and evaluating optics, integrated optical circuits or electro-optical devices.
• While not all are required, possessing one or more of the following skills will be beneficial:
  • Experience in the design, fabrication, or testing of optical components.
  • Proficiency in developing fabrication processes for photonic devices.
  • Skilled in simulating photonic devices using tools like Zemax, Lumerical, Comsol, or similar.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn and innovate.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and constructive approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills, humility, and a high sense of responsibility and ownership.

What we offer

• A chance to be part of a dynamic, ambitious team driving innovation in 3D lithography.
• A creative and excellence-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation, flat hierarchies, and substantial career growth opportunities in a rapidly growing startup.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and respect for individuals.

Join us

Be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of photonic technology. Apply now by sending your CV and a motivational letter to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.

What awaits you with us

We are looking for a microtechnologist or microsystems engineer (m/f/d) to support our development and customer team in Karlsruhe. You will work with novel 3D lithography equipment and materials in the field of integrated optics / photonic integration. This role offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of a dynamic high-tech startup.

Task profile

• Manufacturing by means of 3D lithography and subsequent characterization of prototypes as well as customer-specific assemblies in the field of micro-optics and/or integrated optical circuits
• Supervision of the manufacturing equipment (3D lithography and automated development) by regular tests and assistance in maintenance
• Collaboration in the development and optimization of lithography processes and the production of materials for 3D printing
• Independent execution of test series including measurement, evaluation and documentation

Your qualifications

• Completed vocational training as a microtechnologist (m/f/d), physical-technical assistant (m/f/d), microsystems technician (m/f/d) chemical-technical assistant (m/f/d) or a comparable qualification
• Experience in optics, micro-optics or semiconductor manufacturing is desirable
• Experience in assembly and interconnection technology is an advantage
• Experience with working in a clean room is an advantage
• Good command of written and spoken English

Your personal skills

• Independent, proactive and ambitious
• High sense of responsibility and reliability
• High level of teamwork, communication and assertiveness skills
• Ability to solve problems constructively and pragmatically

What we offer

A varied and challenging area of responsibility with a high degree of personal responsibility in a young, rapidly expanding high-tech company. Great creative freedom and the opportunity to help shape the growth of the company. Flat hierarchies in an innovative and committed international team, in which you can contribute your ideas and jointly create forward-looking solutions. Your benefits package includes a market-oriented salary, a variable profit-sharing scheme and a flexible working hours model.

Your application

Please send us your detailed application with curriculum vitae, references, certificates and salary requirements by e-mail to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.

Background

This role presents a unique opportunity for a talented mid-senior level professional to help a fast-growing German high-tech company establishing a technical presence in China. We are looking for an individual who brings a strong technical background in photonics and/or advanced 3D micro fabrication to the table and equally enjoys supporting customers as well as taking part in technical marketing and sales activities.

Role

You will be part of a team which conceptualizes, designs, develops and validates processes for 3D nano-printing of functional devices in the field of photonic integration. After completing your onboarding program you will help the team expand its global reach into China, closely working with customers to ensure successful adoption of our technology and machines. In addition, you will collaborate closely with our regional distribution partners to support them in conducting sales and marketing activities.

Responsibilities

Core

• Become proficient in the design and simulation of 3D-printed freeform waveguides and micro-optical elements, and in deploying them on  Vanguard Automation 3D lithography systems.
• Support customers in successfully developing, deploying and running their specific processes and in integrating the Vanguard Automation manufacturing solution into their workflow.
• Generate and provide training, technical exchanges and technical papers.

Growth opportunities

• Develop strong customer relations at a technical level to gain further insight into direction and needs of the customer.
• Analyze problems and recommend solutions on the Vanguard Automation platform to optimize customer results.
• Collaborate closely with the Vanguard Automation engineering teams on new product ideas and standard process improvements.
• Support the company’s growth efforts in China.

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master or PhD degree in Optics & Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Physics, or a comparable qualification
• Used to working independently within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience in design, fabrication, und testing of integrated optical components, and/or the development of fabrication processes for photonic devices, ideally based on 3D lithography
• Strong communication skills ideally combined with experience in customer interaction
• Full professional proficiency in Mandarin and English language

Personal Characteristics

• Self-motivated, highly proactive, strong curiosity, and desire to learn
• High sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills and sense of humility
• Constructive and pragmatic problem solving
• Ability to influence without direct authority

Apply now

Apply now by submitting your CV and letter of motivation to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.

To complement our application and process development team, we are looking for an experienced professional with broad interest and solid technical background in the fields of photonics and advanced micro- and nanofabrication.

Job description

You will conceive and design functional 3D micro-optical structures such as waveguides and lenses and realize them using our 3D lithography tools. Besides hands-on implementation and development of fabrication processes, your work will comprise tight interaction with international customers at the technological forefront of integrated optics. Your tasks will comprise the following aspects:

• Design and simulation of 3D-printed freeform waveguides and micro-optical elements
• Development and implementation of customer-specific fabrication processes
• Customer support and process transfer to customer lithography tools
• Design and implementation of reliability testing and quality control procedures for 3Dprinted photonic structures

Your profile

You should have a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree in Optics & Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Physics, or a comparable qualification. Preferred candidates are used to work independently within a multi-disciplinary team and contribute one or more of the following skills and experiences:

• Design, fabrication, and testing of integrated optical components
• Development of fabrication processes for photonic devices, ideally based on 3D lithography
• Experience in managing of technology development projects, ideally in an industrial environment
• Strong communication skills, ideally combined with experience in customer interaction

Personal characteristics

• Self-motivated, highly proactive, strong curiosity, and desire to learn
• High sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity of international cultures of our customers
• Constructive and pragmatic problem solving

Apply now by submitting your CV, letter of motivation, salary expectations, as well as possible starting date to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.

To complement our development team, we are looking for a mid-senior level professional with broad technical interest and background in the field of optics, optoelectronics or opto-mechanics.

Role

You will be part of the team which conceptualizes, implements and validates new features and products for photonic packaging and integration. Based on 3D lithography technology, you will develop and optimize new fabrication processes, and will refine the installation and maintenance procedures of the system. You will closely collaborate with software and application development teams, ensuring successful adoption of our technology and machines by our customers.

Responsibilities

• Design and setup of optical and electrical system components for an industrial 3D lithography tool
• Defining test procedures for the validation of the complete system
• Developing new processes for fabrication of micro-optical elements on our lithography platform
• Design test procedures for evaluation and quality control for optical assemblies and elements
• Implementation of new process features together with the application development team

Your profile

You should have a Master or PhD degree in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a comparable qualification. Preferred candidates are used to work independently within a muli-disciplinary team and contribute one or more of the following skills and experience:

• Experience in design, fabrication, and testing of integrated optical components
• Development of fabrication processes for photonic devices, ideally based on 3D lithography
• At least 3 years of experience in development of industrial systems and system automation
• Experience with optical systems and high-precision motion control
• Experience in automation of industrial systems
• Proven track record in industrial project management

Personal characteristics

• Self-motivated, highly proactive, strong curiosity, and desire to learn
• High sense of ownership and accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills and sense of humility
• Constructive and pragmatic problem solving

Apply now

Apply now by submitting your CV and letter of motivation to jobs.vanguard@mycronic.com.