Software Developer
About the role
You will join ZEISS Vision Care's global Disruptive Innovation team to develop embedded firmware and control algorithms for electro-active prescription eyewear. This senior role owns hands-on and product-facing, driving firmware quality, validation and manufacturability readiness while collaborating closely with electronics developers and system owners in Germany.
You will
- Implement and optimize embedded firmware (C/C++) for ARM-based microcontroller systems controlling electro-optical components.
- Develop and refine control algorithms for precise actuation, sensing, stability and power management (wearable-grade performance).
- Build internal test platforms, diagnostics and automation tools for device characterization, calibration and regression testing (Python or similar).
- Create and maintain unit tests, component tests and system-level software tests; support software reliability testing and qualification.
- Integrate firmware with electronics hardware (bring-up support, debugging, interface validation).
- Work with cross-functional teams (optics, mechanics, electrochemistry, hardware, manufacturing) to integrate complete systems.
- Support design transfer to global manufacturing sites, including production test concepts and traceable documentation.
- Document firmware architecture, design decisions and validation results for long-term product development.
- Interface with global procurement and suppliers for component-level validation, firmware dependencies and robustness (e.g., MCU/PMIC variants).
You have
- At least 5 years of experience in embedded firmware development in C/C++ on ARM-based microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, Nordic, Microchip or similar) and Python for automation or testing.
- Strong understanding of communication protocols such as I2C, SPI and UART; BLE/WiFi experience is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with hardware prototyping, debugging and system-level testing.
- Experience with product validation processes, including software reliability testing, qualification, software security protocols and safety integrity considerations.
- Ability to develop test tools and automation frameworks for device characterization and calibration.
- Exposure to battery-powered devices, electro-optical systems, wearable electronics or smart eyewear platforms is a strong advantage.
- Basic understanding of analog electronics and PCB-level integration, enabling effective collaboration with hardware engineers.
- Experience working with external suppliers, manufacturing partners and distributed global teams; strong English communication skills.
- Basic familiarity with Android/iOS ecosystems and companion app integration.
- A builder mindset with high ownership and curiosity, comfortable exploring new device concepts and contributing to disruptive innovation initiatives (e.g., sensor integration, connected device features and future smart eyewear capabilities).
