Production & Manufacturing

Production & Manufacturing at ZEISS includes a range of hands-on and technical roles. Depending on the position, employees may set up and operate CNC machines, manufacture precision components, inspect quality or coordinate work in production. Opportunities range from skilled trades such as industrial mechanics, precision optics and machining to positions involving modern production technologies and Industry 4.0. Available roles vary by location and production area.

Currently, ZEISS offers apprenticeships in Production & Manufacturing only in Germany. Apprenticeships are available in technical, business and IT roles. Examples include apprenticeships as precision opticians, industrial mechanics and machining technicians, among many others.

Find out more about starting your career at ZEISS in Germany

Production roles at ZEISS range from skilled trades that require vocational training, such as industrial mechanics or precision optics, to Industry 4.0 roles that may require an engineering background. Technical aptitude, practical skills and an interest in precise work are important for many roles. The specific qualifications depend on the position. The respective job posting provides the specific requirements.

Yes, some Production & Manufacturing roles at ZEISS may be suitable for candidates without previous experience. Depending on the position, relevant vocational training, technical aptitude, practical skills and a willingness to learn may be more important than previous manufacturing experience. New employees receive role- and task-specific training to prepare them for their work. The respective job posting provides the specific requirements for each position.

The technical skills required depend on the role. They may include operating CNC machines, using precision measuring equipment, inspecting quality and working with materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, glass or ceramics. Teamwork, attention to detail and the ability to adapt to new tasks and processes are also important in many Production & Manufacturing roles.

A typical working day depends on the role and production area. Tasks may include preparing materials and tools, setting up and operating machines, monitoring production processes and inspecting the quality of finished parts. Shift managers may also review handovers, assign tasks and support their teams. Employees work together to solve problems and ensure that production runs smoothly.

Yes, many Production & Manufacturing roles at ZEISS involve shift work. The specific shift model depends on the position, production area and location. Details are usually provided in the respective job posting. They can also be clarified during the hiring process and with the responsible manager.

Employees in Production & Manufacturing can develop professionally in different ways. Depending on the role, experience, organizational needs and available opportunities, they may build their technical expertise, take on new responsibilities or move into expert, project or leadership roles.

Yes. ZEISS provides role- and task-specific training to help employees work with new production technologies and machines. Depending on the position, this may include practical training, instruction from experienced colleagues or machine-specific courses. Employees can continue to build their skills as technologies, machines and production processes develop.

ZEISS supports employees moving between Production & Manufacturing roles through hands-on training, guidance from experienced colleagues and time to build the knowledge and practical skills needed for the new role. The support provided depends on the position, previous experience, organizational needs and available opportunities.