Enterprise Data & Systems Architect (Photonics)

Location: Zürich, Switzerland — Hybrid

Company

hirify.global is an early-phase startup developing next-generation photonic integrated circuits based on thin-film lithium niobate for telecommunications and datacom applications.

What you will do

• Own the architecture and roadmap for the data platform, enterprise systems, cloud infrastructure, and supporting digital systems as manufacturing scales from pilot to volume production.
• Design and operate databases, data warehouses, pipelines, transformations, orchestration, and lakehouse infrastructure supporting manufacturing, testing, analytics, BI, and internal tools.
• Own the implementation and integration of Aras Innovator PLM, Oracle NetSuite ERP, and the selected MES, ensuring end-to-end product, document, manufacturing, measurement, and shipment traceability.
• Lead the MES supplier tender and subsequent implementation, integrating process steps, production data, and traceability across PLM, ERP, MES, and the data platform.
• Own the architecture and rollout of automated wafer-scale testing built on OpenTAP, including data-exchange protocols and integrations with engineering and manufacturing systems.
• Lead infrastructure reliability, security, vendor management, architecture documentation, and a small team of DevOps, data, automation, and related specialists.

Requirements

• Degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or a related field, with a strong track record in enterprise or solutions architecture; manufacturing or semiconductor experience is preferred.
• Experience designing and building enterprise systems architectures, ideally from scratch, and leading automated or robotic production or testing lines.
• Hands-on PLM and ERP implementation and integration experience; Aras Innovator experience is relevant.
• Strong database and data-engineering background covering data-model design, pipelines, transformation, orchestration, and data quality.
• Hands-on experience with modern lakehouse and data platforms such as Databricks, Apache Iceberg, and Trino.
• Experience across cloud and on-premises infrastructure, including containers, object storage, Linux servers, virtualization, backups, and application hosting.
• Solid knowledge of data security, encryption, access control, disaster recovery, and governance; familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001, ITAR, US EAR, and Swiss dual-use or Goods Control Act requirements is an asset.
• Vendor and contract management experience, including negotiation of SLAs with managed-service providers.
• People-leadership experience with hiring, managing, and mentoring technical staff; strong communication skills and the ability to translate manufacturing and business needs into technical strategy.
• Fluency in English is required.

Nice to have

• Experience in a manufacturing or semiconductor environment.
• Experience with Aras Innovator, semiconductor production, automated testing, or robotic production lines.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001, ITAR, US EAR, and Swiss export-control requirements.
• Proficiency in modern AI solutions.
• German or French language skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Pragmatic, lean, hands-on environment focused on smart integration and vendor orchestration.
• Opportunity to build digital and manufacturing systems from the ground up in an early-phase photonics startup.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment with direct impact on telecommunications and datacom technology.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including an employee stock option plan and fully covered Pillar Two.
• Generous vacation and an inclusive, diversity-focused workplace.