Developed with precision

Ondrej is an Optical Metrologist. And at ZEISS in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, that is a very challenging job. After all, the most precise mirrors in the world are measured here.

Ondrej has worked at ZEISS for eight years – first as a scientific assistant and, since 2018, as a senior scientist on the ZEISS Expert Ladder. With its five-step career path, the Expert Ladder offers experts a satisfactory alternative to the traditional management track. In his first year at ZEISS, Ondrej worked in Component Metrology. He and his team ensured the proper measurement of high-precision mirrors for microchip production there, and also developed individual modules for a highly complex measuring machine.

Today, Ondrej is no longer responsible only for one single area of expertise. Instead, he is a system architect with interdisciplinary responsibility for integrating the optical system's illumination unit. It's the career path he aspired to from the very beginning: "I am curious and want to continuously evolve. In smaller companies, you can specialize in a specific area. But in my experience, changing focal areas or positions is difficult. When I interviewed with ZEISS, they told me that I would be able to develop my potential in a variety of directions. And it has always been easy for me to do so."

In Ondrej's team and under his technical management, people from a wide range of areas in Development and Production work on the product. Interdisciplinary teamwork is a condition for their mutual success. "We are constantly pushing the limits of what is technically feasible. The only way to manage that is to work hand in hand. Together, we are gradually pushing the envelope further. The goal isn't to gain theoretical knowledge. Instead, we are looking for feasible, high-end technical solutions. The microchips that chip manufacturers produce with the help of our optical system enable new electronic components for enhanced medical technology, resource-friendly IT architectures for the energy transformation, and autonomous traffic systems for our mobile future. That is what motivates me."

What's next? Ondrej is optimistic: "I'm sure that more exciting tasks and technical challenges await me at ZEISS. As a system architect, I am currently advancing my communication skills and interdisciplinary knowledge. Where is my journey at ZEISS headed? Perhaps a next step up on the Expert Ladder or toward group leadership with personnel responsibility. Together with our partners, we are the world leader in the EUV lithography market. I have lots of freedom here – also for my personal development. I look forward to what the future holds!"