ZEISS employee Hans-Peter is carefully examining a component. He is checking the individual details of the chrome-colored element.

ZEISS Stories | Hans-Peter

An inner compass to guide the way

Project Management and Engineering

A few years ago, Hans-Peter wouldn't have dared to dream about one day becoming a development engineer for high-end cleaning processes. Instead of a long-term plan, the engineer follows his inner compass and remains fearlessly true to himself every step of the way. Because he knows it's the brave decisions that lead to change, progress and new opportunities in his private and professional life.

ZEISS employee Hans-Peter is in an office and looking toward the room with a satisfied smile.

After several years of research in a laboratory at the University of Würzburg and earning his doctorate in physical chemistry, Hans-Peter was looking for a change in perspective. Did he want to work in the industry? Definitely! But he wanted a meaningful role. Given the company's science-promoting structure and the exciting field of semiconductor manufacturing technology, he was drawn to ZEISS SMT. As a development engineer, he is responsible for the cleaning processes for large mechanical components here.

The advanced technology we are working on constantly presents us with new challenges. No two days are the same. We lead the way in our field. This variety is what makes all the difference.

Hans-Peter Development Engineer

ZEISS employee Hans-Peter is using his little finger to examine a chrome-colored component. His hands are in white gloves and a female colleague is sitting opposite him.

Cleanliness at atomic level

When large components for High-NA-EUV lithography are delivered, all cleanliness aspects need to be thought through. "The manufacturing of these meter-sized elements is extremely challenging and can take several months. This poses special challenges in terms of cleanability," explains Hans-Peter. The spectrum of his day-to-day work ranges from expert talks with suppliers to meticulous analysis of the surface condition. And we mean that literally, as he examines the components for contamination at the atomic level. The engineer contributes his expertise in chemistry and physics that he gained through years of study.

There is no such thing as monotony here. The process-oriented workflows offer plenty of creative freedom, and further development is a priority in his department. As Hans-Peter tells us: "The advanced technology we are working on constantly presents us with new challenges. No two days are the same. We lead the way in our field. This variety is what makes all the difference." And he's already got one eye on the future. He wants to gain an additional qualification, which will enable him to move from modular responsibility to project management. Here he will face new challenges, and it will pave the way for him to have a role with leadership responsibilities in future.

ZEISS employee Hans-Peter in an easygoing exchange with his colleague Franziska.

Acceptance. Exchange. Awareness.

Hans-Peter knows that professional development requires basic principles such as openness, autonomy and acceptance. Both from himself and the people around him. In an effort to proactively support these values, immediately after joining the company he contacted the Proud@ZEISS network – a community that promotes LGBTQIA+ diversity and acceptance at ZEISS. For the development engineer, who is in a same-sex relationship, the focus is on communication, exchange and mutual support. His commitment to the core team is also paying off - the Employee Resource Group has grown significantly over the years. Together they organize internal activities and events, create awareness and build a network of contacts. The employee network takes diversity and inclusion very seriously. After all, everyone is welcome, even if they are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This offering is open to all employees wanting to talk or get involved.

Hans-Peter intends to be just as fearless when looking ahead to future issues. "I told myself many years ago that I would have no regrets in life. And I plan to keep that promise," he says confidently with a grin. His bravery, his decisions and his inner compass have made him who he is today.