Claudia Hochstrasser
HR Manager , Swissto12
Sectors
Semiconductor Recruitment Services
From microelectronics engineers to process and equipment specialists, mPlusOne supports you in recruiting highly specialized talent capable of driving innovation, optimizing industrial performance, and delivering advanced semiconductor technologies within complex and highly demanding environments.
Our Expertise in Semiconductor Recruitment
Research & Development (R&D)
We recruit engineers and scientists specialized in microelectronics, advanced materials, and innovative devices, capable of developing next-generation technologies in demanding research environments.
Process & Equipment Engineering
Our candidates have strong expertise in semiconductor manufacturing processes (lithography, etching, deposition – CVD, PVD, ALD) as well as industrial equipment (vacuum, plasma systems), ensuring performance, reliability, and process optimization.
Design & Architecture
We identify experts in integrated circuit design (analog, mixed-signal, digital, RF) and system architecture, capable of developing high-performance and innovative solutions tailored to complex technological constraints.
Production & Quality
We recruit engineers specialized in manufacturing, yield improvement, quality assurance, and continuous improvement, ensuring reliability, compliance, and efficiency in large-scale production environments.
Test, Validation & Reliability
We source engineers specialized in testing, characterization, and validation of semiconductor components, ensuring performance, robustness, and compliance with industry standards.
Specialized Technical Functions
We also support the recruitment of niche experts in areas such as photonics, compound semiconductors (GaN, SiC, InP), as well as key roles including application engineers and technical project managers.
Success Stories
“mPlusOne were a trusted partner during a key phase in our growth. Within a rapid expanding scale-up environment, they were able to find key skillsets for our aerospace sector of activity and add value in recruiting support staff that understood our culture and solution-oriented environment. What began as an external recruitment partner morphed into an RPO solution where their proximity and ability to understand our specific needs were invaluable.”
“mPlusOne has been a trusted HR partner for our recruitment needs. They consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of our technical requirements and organizational culture. From consultation to placement, the mPlusOne team exemplifies professionalism, diligence, and a keen eye for talent. Their expertise is evident in their thorough vetting process, consistently sourcing candidates who not only meet our technical criteria but also integrate seamlessly into our team.”
mPlusOne Semiconductor Recruitment Solutions
Headhunting and Talent Acquisition Solutions
At mPlusOne, we specialize in providing expert headhunting and talent acquisition solutions to help you find the perfect candidates for your high-level and specialized roles. Our proactive approach ensures that we deliver top talent efficiently while keeping a high degree of confidentiality.
Recruitment Process Outsouring (RPO) Solutions
Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) involves delegating all or part of your recruitment functions to an external provider, acting as an extension of your HR department. At mPlusOne, our RPO services efficiently handle volume recruiting, ideal for company expansions and new geographical implementations. We streamline your hiring process, helping you find the right talent quickly while you focus on your core business activities.
Temporary Staff Solutions
mPlusOne is a recruitment agency specialized in connecting businesses with temporary or interim staff, ensuring compliance with all Swiss employment laws.
Our solutions help you manage workload fluctuations, seasonal demands, and special projects efficiently. Whether you need short-term support or specialized skills, we find the right temporary staff to keep your operations running smoothly.
FAQ
Find answers to the most common questions about our services, products, and support. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us directly.
Demand is strong and continues to grow:
- Vacancy growth: Semiconductor-related job openings increased by 340 to 380 percent between 2020 and 2023
- Most in-demand roles: Design engineers, process specialists, verification engineers, and photonic integrated circuit specialists
- Critical bottleneck: The shortage of qualified talent is considered the main constraint on the development of Switzerland’s semiconductor ecosystem, particularly in emerging fields such as photonic integrated circuits
Switzerland’s semiconductor industry is highly active across development, integration, and industrialization, with more than 60 percent of companies operating in these areas and 80 percent considering themselves global leaders.
Employers are looking for a mix of hard and soft skills. Key technical skills include experience with MEMS Process Engineering, III-V semiconductor laser designs , parametic testing, wafer level reliability (WLR), and programming languages like Python, C, and Labview . On the soft skills side, being a team player, having strong analytical skills, and being solution-oriented are highly valued . A completed university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) in fields like physics, microtechnology, or electrical engineering is the standard prerequisite, given Switzerlands high level of educational establishments, doctorates are often a very strong addition.
The primary challenges include:
- Small local candidate pools: Switzerland has a limited domestic talent base for highly specialized semiconductor roles
- Intense competition: Large multinational firms dominate the talent landscape, making it difficult for smaller companies to attract top-tier professionals
- Stringent immigration laws: Hiring non-EU nationals requires navigating complex work permit processes with annual quotas
- Language requirements: The need for German or French proficiency further narrows an already limited candidate pool
- High personnel costs: The strong Swiss Franc and competitive compensation expectations put pressure on budgets
While English is often the technical language of choice, German or French is highly valued and often required. For roles in the German-speaking part (e.g., Zurich, Bern, Basel), a very good command of German (at least B2 level) is frequently a mandatory requirement alongside fluent English . In the French-speaking part (e.g., Neuchâtel), a very good level of French is required. If languages are required they will be clearly stated in the job ad.
Hiring non-EU talent in Switzerland is a structured process that requires careful planning, but it is entirely manageable with the right approach:
- Employer sponsorship: The hiring company must sponsor the candidate and apply for a Swiss work permit (typically a B permit).
- Labour market test: Employers must demonstrate that no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate is available, usually by advertising the role over a defined period.
- Approval timeline: Permit processing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the case and canton.
- Quota system: Permits for non-EU nationals are subject to annual federal quotas, which can impact availability.
- Cantonal variation: Requirements and interpretation can differ by canton, with some authorities adopt a more flexible approach than others.
Practical insight:
While the administrative process can appear complex, especially for SMEs, it is often outweighed by the need for highly specialised semiconductor talent. With proper preparation and expert guidance, companies can successfully navigate the process and secure critical skills.
Why mPlusOne
We combine deep Swiss market expertise with a tailored, proactive approach to deliver the right talent quickly and with lasting impact.
Why mPlusOne
Location mPlusOne
