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We want you!

At ZEISS in Germany

We inspire the world to see in new ways.

Want to be part of it?

Discover what makes ZEISS Germany an exceptional place to work and find answers to the most common questions about joining our team of more than 20,000 employees across the country.

  • ZEISS in Germany

    Founded in Jena and with headquarters in Oberkochen, ZEISS has been firmly established in Germany since day one. Today, over 20,000 employees in our global team work at the German sites. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of Carl Zeiss AG.

  • What sets us apart

    Whether you're on a Leadership track or Expert path, you’ll find your challenge here with us. Whatever your background, we're looking for people who think outside the box. For people with ideas and vision. For chemists who want to perform corporate strategy duties. For engineers who like to work in sales, and lawyers who can get to grips with a role at HR. Because we know: the greater the diversity, the more creative the solutions.

  • Be part of #teamZEISS

    As the pioneer of scientific optics, we continue to challenge the limits of human imagination. Are you ready to do your best to achieve your goals? Are you open to new things, to the latest trends and to transformation? Are you motivated to help a global technology leader with a long history ensure an equally bright future? With your motivation and passion, you’ll fit right in at ZEISS!

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It's a real privilege to integrate our research into products that help mankind. To help shape the way people live and work.

Michael

There are so many career options within the ZEISS team in Germany

  • Sophisticated architecture, modern infrastructure and augmented reality in agile team setups – dive into the world of the digital jobs of tomorrow.

  • What might seem impossible today may well be possible in the future thanks to our Research employees and their new ideas. Do you have an idea to shape the future?

  • From CNC lathes that weigh a ton down to polishing work accurate to the millimeter, precision and a keen eye are required. Explore the world of production and manufacturing.

  • From semiconductor technology to neurosurgery: Our engineers are dedicated to progress and make our products a success.

  • Building bridges, pushing boundaries and sometimes even removing some of the obstacles along the way – our Sales teams are dedicated to people.

  • Mastering technology. Identifying connections. Delivering solutions: Our field service technicians know no two days are the same and are always looking for the perfect solution.

  • In addition to the options below in above, we also have exciting jobs in other specialist departments. Use the Job Search function to find them.

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A young man sits in a relaxed stance on a cushioned seat while he works on his laptop

Starting your career at ZEISS in Germany

Launching your career is a big step. Whether you choose to start with an apprenticeship, internship, dual study program or to embark on your career after your studies, there's the perfect option for everyone. Read up on the wide range of options at ZEISS and find your dream job.

Your benefits at ZEISS in Germany

At ZEISS, we know how important it is to invest in the future. Our employees are the innovative power and driving force behind our company. That is why you – and what drives you – are so important to us. As our company grows, we want you to grow with us, both professionally and personally.

*The individual benefits can vary depending on the location, the length of service or the type of contract.

  • In addition to your fixed and variable salary components, we reward you when the company does well. We also offer attractive financial incentives such as Christmas bonuses and excellent vacation allowance. And we subsidize your public transportation pass and offer many other benefits. Our purely employer-financed company pension is an attractive way for you to plan for retirement.

  • We employ many people with exceptional technical knowledge and valuable expertise. The ZEISS Expert Ladder offers the opportunity for professional development as an alternative to a Leadership track. In addition to numerous training options in technical areas, all employees have access to a large number of training modules on improving social skills via our internal learning platform. Furthermore, our Global Mobility Program promotes international knowledge sharing.

  • ZEISS supports employees in Germany in balancing their work and personal lives. Flexible working options give employees greater flexibility in when and where they work, helping them meet their individual needs. For employees with children, ZEISS offers support programs that can make it easier to combine personal and professional responsibilities. Employees who care for family members can also access specific support. As a health-promoting company, ZEISS strengthens the health and well-being of its employees. Programs focusing on mental and physical health, exercise, relaxation and nutrition contribute to their well-being. Availability may vary by location, role and business requirements.

How does the application process work?

Once we receive your application, our recruiting team will review your documents. If your profile matches what we are looking for, we will invite you to an initial interview and explain the next steps.

  • icon graphic of a job list

    Job advertisement

    Find the job you want to work as.

  • Icon of a CV with application photo

    Application documents

    Send your application which includes your application letter, your CV and your certifications.

  • Icon of the candidate selection process. A row of applicants is enlarged through a magnifying glass.

    Application screening

    Application screening by our recruiting team – if we think you are the perfect match, we contact you for an interview.

  • Icon of two people in an interview

    Interview

    Interviewing – we are going to discuss your CV, talk about your work experiences and get to know each other. Furthermore, you will get to know the hiring managers during another personal interview.

  • Pictogram of a written job offer

    Offer letter

    After passing all interviews successfully, we will send you an offer letter.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Discover what makes ZEISS Germany an exceptional place to work and find answers to the most common questions about joining our team of more than 20,000 employees across Germany.

ZEISS in Germany

  • Founded in Jena and headquartered in Oberkochen, ZEISS has a strong presence throughout Germany with more than 20,000 employees. The company operates several locations across Germany, including Jena, Oberkochen, Dresden, Munich, Goettingen, Braunschweig, Karlsruhe, Berlin and Wetzlar. These locations serve as key hubs for research, innovation, manufacturing, and business operations across ZEISS.

  • More than 20,000 people work for ZEISS in Germany, making it the company’s largest employment hub worldwide. They are part of a global team of more than 46,000 employees.

Jobs and application

  • ZEISS in Germany offers career opportunities for every stage of your journey. After finishing school, you can start your career at ZEISS with an apprenticeship or a dual study program. University students can gain practical experience through internships, working student positions, and thesis projects. Graduates and experienced professionals can apply directly for roles that match their qualifications and experience. Some job openings may also be suitable for career changers, depending on the requirements of the role and their transferable skills.

  • Yes, ZEISS in Germany offers apprenticeships and dual study programs. Apprenticeships at ZEISS provide a solid foundation for your professional future by combining practical workplace experience with theoretical learning. These programs offer opportunities to work on advanced optical and precision technologies while building essential professional skills.

    You can find more information here: Starting your career at ZEISS in Germany. 

  • A dual study program at ZEISS allows you to earn a college degree while gaining practical work experience. Alternating between college coursework and practical assignments at ZEISS, you will apply your theoretical knowledge directly to projects and combine academic learning with hands-on experience. Dual study at ZEISS

  • Use the job search feature to find available roles. Apply filters such as location, job category, or employment type, to find a role that matches your profile. Then submit your application online.

  • Unfortunately, unsolicited applications are currently not accepted. Candidates are encouraged to visit the ZEISS job portal regularly, as vacancies are updated continuously, and new openings are added almost every day.

Development and work environment

  • At ZEISS, career development starts with the People Development Dialogue (PDD), our annual development conversation for all employees. The PDD provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements, discuss strengths and aspirations, and explore future development opportunities together with your manager. Employees also have access to a broad range of learning and development offerings through our internal learning platform, supporting both personal and professional growth.

    For those aspiring to take on greater responsibility, ZEISS offers two distinct career paths: a leadership career and an expert career. The leadership path prepares employees for people management and leadership responsibilities. The expert path, known as the ZEISS Expert Ladder, enables employees to build and be recognized for deep technical or professional expertise while advancing their careers without taking on a formal leadership role. This approach allows employees to pursue a path that best matches their strengths, interests, and career ambitions.  

  • International collaboration is part of many roles at ZEISS in Germany, particularly in technology, development, sales, and project-related functions. Depending on the role, employees may work with international teams and colleagues at different ZEISS locations on cross-site projects, global product topics, or customer-related activities.

    In some teams, English is used alongside German as a working language. The level of international collaboration and the required language skills depend on the role and is usually specified in the respective job posting. International collaboration is typically higher in global product, project or customer-related roles and lower in more locally focused areas.  

Culture, benefits and working models

  • ZEISS Germany employees benefit from an attractive compensation package consisting of fixed and variable salary components as well as special payments in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, supplemented by additional financial benefits such as a company pension plan and anniversary bonuses. In addition, ZEISS promotes work-life balance through flexible work models and programs for child and elder care. Another key focus is on health and well-being. To support personal development, a wide range of training and development opportunities are available. These benefits are complemented by a subsidy for the “Deutschlandticket” as a job ticket, a company bicycle leasing program, discounts on ZEISS products, company restaurants and cafés, and special offers from external partners. Individual benefits may vary depending on location, contract type, or length of service.

  • Yes, ZEISS offers a purely employer-financed company pension to help employees plan for retirement. The company pension scheme is fully financed by the employer, meaning employees benefit from retirement planning support without personal contributions. This pension is part of the ZEISS commitment to long-term employee financial planning and represents a significant additional benefit beyond regular compensation.

  • Yes, many positions at ZEISS Germany offer flexible or hybrid working options as part of flexible work arrangements. The specific working model depends on the role, business requirements, and team needs and is aligned with the responsible manager.

  • ZEISS supports employees in Germany in balancing their work and personal lives. Flexible working options give employees greater flexibility in when and where they work, helping them balance their individual needs. For employees with children, ZEISS offers support programs that help them balance their personal and professional lives. Employees who care for family members can also access specific support. As a health-promoting company, ZEISS strengthens the health and well-being of its employees - programs focusing on mental and physical health, exercise, relaxation, and nutrition contribute to employees’ well-being. Availability may vary by location, role, and business requirements.

Opt to Work at ZEISS!

Job openings and applications

The different business units and the central corporate and service functions at ZEISS offer a large number of career options for all disciplines.

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What is the daily work at ZEISS like?

In our global team, the different business units, departments and the central corporate and service functions offer a large number of career options.

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Meet ZEISS at events

Scroll through our events calendar and meet us in person.