Head of Engineering

Microcaps is an ETH Zurich spin-off founded in March 2019. Our unique technology allows us to produce highly precise and innovative microcapsules that empower materials to unlock new capabilities; all tailored to various markets from cosmetics to nutraceutical and pharma.

Our first commercial focus is a genuine breakthrough for the perfume industry: alcohol‑free fine fragrances. We already have our first products on the market with reputable brand partners and are now preparing global launches to establish Microcaps as the reference for next‑generation fragrance bases.

With our dedicated perfume factory being finalized in 2025, our mission for 2026 is clear: make alcohol‑free fine fragrance available worldwide.

To strengthen our team in Zurich-Schlieren we are looking for a:

Head of Engineering, 100%

As Head of Engineering, you are at the core of our process and mechanical engineering strategy, you lead and scale our engineering function. This role combines technical leadership with people management, guiding a team of process and mechanical engineers while shaping how we design, build and optimize our manufacturing equipment and processes with the goal to consistently produce high quality products.

In this key leadership position, you are responsible for the strategic direction and growth of our Engineering team. You will lead a team of approximately 5-6 professionals, including process and mechanical engineers.

Tasks

• Design and develop manufacturing processes, equipment and systems.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process and mechanical engineers, fostering a strong engineering culture.
• Own the end-to-end engineering process, from concept and design through to implementation and optimization.
• Collaborate closely with operations, customer delivery, and leadership to align engineering work with business goals.
• Lead testing, validation and troubleshooting efforts to identify and resolve issues and challenges occurring in our production.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to continuously improve design processes and outcomes.
• Lead project planning, budgeting, and scheduling activities to meet project milestones and deadlines.
• Participate in the design, development and optimization manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Operational Excellence: You take full ownership of the engineering team's operational performance (resource planning, budget monitoring, utilization).
• Strategic Partnering: You work closely with Customer Delivery team and R&D team to sharpen Microcaps’ technological vision and act as a high-level technical sparring partner for our team.
• Cultural Stewardship: You foster an inclusive, motivating, high-performance culture and establish modern department rituals that promote knowledge sharing and innovation.

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in process engineering, preferably in the food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Prior experience leading or managing engineering teams.
• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with strategic leadership.
• Strong technical expertise in process design, optimization, and troubleshooting, with knowledge of relevant engineering principles and methodologies.
• Strong technical background with a Masters’ degree in Chemical Engineering/Process Engineering/Mechanical Engineering or related field or higher.
• Excellent communication skills and high social competence; you can build trust with founders, brand managers, perfumers and technical teams.
• You are motivated by working in an early‑stage, high‑growth environment where you help shape processes rather than inherit them.
• Proficiency in process modelling and simulation software (e.g. MATLAB, or similar tools).
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards applicable to manufacturing processes (e.g., FDA, ISO).
• You are fluent in English(written and spoken); German is a strong plus.
• Work permit in Switzerland.

Nice-to-have’s:

• You are a natural leader.
• Ability to engage with key external parties on a professional level.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across cross functional teams.
• Project management
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• You are pragmatic, flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced environment.
• You are a hands‑on builder who is comfortable both setting strategy and doing the work.

Benefits

• 5 weeks of vacation
• Working with a highly skilled and passionate team
• The opportunity to participate in building a business that is entirely new. With novel products and unique technology

Application: Please apply using the form on our Webpage’s Career Site Microcaps(at)ch -- career

Microcaps is an ETH Zurich spin-off founded in March 2019. Our unique technology allows us to produce highly precise and innovative microcapsules that empower materials to unlock new capabilities, all tailored to various markets from cosmetics to nutraceutical and pharma.

Today, Microcaps technology can be found in a cosmetic skin serum and a vegan caviar. As we progress, our aim is to expand our production capacity and introduce a visionary and sustainable water-based fine fragrance. Subsequently, we plan to incorporate all-in-one nutrition delivery products into our portfolio. Join us on our mission to bring Swiss precision to the realm of microencapsulation.