Driven by high demand in industrial automation and logistics, robotic manipulation has progressed greatly over the past decade. However, replicating human-like manipulation capabilities remains a challenge. Tactile sensing for robotics is very promising in complementing and extending vision-based approaches towards advanced robotic manipulation tasks akin to human dexterity.
We are looking for a Process Engineer: Artificial Sensing Fingers for Robotic Manipulation.

You will be part of the Micro and Nanosystems (MNS) group at ETH and your main responsibility will be to develop and fabricate tactile sensor arrays, integrate them in the artificial sensing fingers and connect them to interface readout electronics. These artificial sensing fingers will be calibrated at MNS, and supplied to two other groups at ETH Zurich for their tasks. For an overview of tactile sensing technology watch this movie. The fabrication process itself—roughly speaking a process based on lithography with several stacked flex layers—is described in this journal paper.

In this position, you will learn and become the owner of the artificial sensing finger fabrication process and incorporate re-design requests or extensions. Furthermore, you will run the process regularly to produce a sufficient small-stock of sensing fingers for the immediate needs of the project. In addition, you will improve the process with an emphasis on reproducibility and reducing the taxel-to-taxel variations. You will also support the electronics and robotics teams to design and integrate the readout electronics and sensing finger into robotic manipulators and prepare the process transfer to an industrial fabrication line depending on the project progress.

• Degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Microtechnology or similar from an (Applied) Technical University
• Experience with Clean-Room processes for microsystems or flexible substrates processes strongly preferred
• Experience with Layout tools and CAD design is a plus
• Responsible mindset who can take ownership, run the process and deliver on time
• Proactive mindset who can analyze and propose improvements to the existing processes
• Team player that loves to work with inter-cultural, inter-disciplinary teams
• Very good command of English
• Enjoy experimental work with a combination of product and process design and testing

• Working in a collaborative environment, with teams from Mechanics, Electronics and Robotics on a highly challenging and future-oriented project with impact
• Possible involvement in a startup resulting from this project
• ETH offers fair salaries and very good working conditions. We have a specific salary system that can be consulted here:

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, Diplomas and Transcripts of grades
• Letter of Motivation where you explicitly highlight your (similar) experience in process engineering that is applicable to this project
• Description of past projects
• 1-2 Recommendations

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Questions regarding the position (no applications) should be directed to Dr. Cosmin Roman via email.

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.