Research & Development

Research & Development plays a key role in advancing technology at ZEISS. R&D teams develop solutions in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, industrial quality assurance, and optical systems. ZEISS also continues to expand its expertise in digital solutions and artificial intelligence. 

By combining scientific excellence with engineering expertise, ZEISS creates pioneering technologies that contribute to progress in healthcare, industry, research, and many other areas around the world. The work of R&D teams ranges from exploring new concepts and technologies to turning them into products and systems for real-world use. 

ZEISS continuously invests in Research & Development to advance pioneering technologies and innovative solutions. In fiscal year 2024/25, ZEISS invested more than €1.7 billion in Research & Development. This represented 15% of the company’s revenue and reflects the importance of innovation to the success of ZEISS. 

ZEISS offers a wide range of career options in Research & Development for scientists and technical experts from disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, optics, and photonics.

Depending on their field of expertise, employees may contribute to research and development in medical technology, semiconductor manufacturing, industrial metrology, advanced microscopy, and other technology-driven fields. Working in interdisciplinary teams, they help turn scientific insights into pioneering technologies and practical solutions for healthcare, industry, and research.  

Research & Development at ZEISS helps turn scientific advances into pioneering technologies that make a difference in healthcare, industry, and research. From medical solutions and semiconductor manufacturing to optical systems and industrial metrology, R&D teams contribute to technologies that support scientific progress, improve industrial processes, and address real-world challenges. 

For example, their work contributes to medical technologies that support diagnostics and treatment, as well as semiconductor manufacturing technologies that enable increasingly powerful microchips for applications such as digitalization and autonomous driving. 

By combining scientific excellence with engineering expertise, employees help create solutions that improve people’s lives and deliver long-term value for customers and society. 

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are important in Research & Development at ZEISS. Depending on the role, expertise in experimental methods, data analysis, simulation, programming, or artificial intelligence may also be relevant. Creativity, precision, clear communication, and a willingness to keep learning help employees contribute effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

In a world that is constantly evolving, innovation is key to progress. Research & Development is deeply rooted at ZEISS and connects people, ideas, and expertise across disciplines, functions, and locations. R&D teams work together to explore new ideas, answer complex questions, and develop pioneering technologies.

New ideas take shape in the ZEISS Innovation Hubs, where ZEISS works with partners from science, start-ups, and industry. ZEISS Digital Partners advance digital and data solutions across ZEISS, while Corporate Research & Technology explores emerging fields through initiatives such as Beyond Innovation. Together, these teams and networks turn research into real-world applications and help shape the technologies of tomorrow.  

ZEISS values diverse perspectives and provides an inclusive environment where employees can develop professionally. Learning, networking, and mentoring opportunities support employees in building skills, sharing knowledge, and connecting with others.

Women in STEM and Research & Development can also benefit from dedicated offerings such as Women@ZEISS networks and mentoring initiatives. They connect women across ZEISS, strengthen visibility, and encourage employees to learn from one another. Specific offerings may vary across ZEISS.  

The ZEISS Expert Ladder is a technical career path for employees with outstanding expertise. Established in 2005, it enables participants to deepen their expertise, contribute to innovation, and take on technical responsibility without assuming disciplinary leadership responsibilities.

The ZEISS Expert Ladder comprises five levels and brings together around 1,500 experts worldwide. Participants are nominated based on defined criteria and can progress through the different levels as their expertise and technical responsibilities develop.