Infrastructure and Cleanroom Manager

Are you someone who is reliable in keeping deep-tech facilities running smoothly, coordinating cleanroom projects, and managing subcontractors? At Lightium, we are building next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and we are looking for an Infrastructure and Cleanroom Manager to ensure our cleanroom and offices are safe, efficient, and with minimal downtime. 

This is a hands-on role for someone with a strong facilities / infrastructure background and a clear, methodical approach to planning and execution. You will be the go-to person for ensuring our cleanroom and office facilities operate smoothly every day, and that our infrastructure keeps pace with our fast-moving growth.  

We are seeking a highly organized and practical Infrastructure and Cleanroom Manager to lead the daily operations of our cleanroom and office facilities and to coordinate our infrastructure expansion projects. You will be responsible for managing facility operations, coordinating the construction and fit-out of our new cleanroom and office spaces with contractors, organizing the relocation of tools and equipment, overseeing maintenance and service work, while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with external partners and internal teams to keep our physical environments safe and efficient. This is a fast-paced, high-responsibility position at the core of our physical operations, ideal for someone who takes pride in keeping things running reliably. 

Facility Operations & Maintenance (Cleanroom & Offices): Run the daily operations of cleanroom (including processing and metrology equipment) and office facilities. Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials. Monitor and maintain minimum stock levels of consumables. Organize and track preventive and corrective maintenance for equipment and facility infrastructure. 

Cleanroom and Office Infrastructure Projects: Coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors for the construction, modification, and fit-out of cleanroom and office spaces. Plan and oversee infrastructure projects to ensure delivery on time, on budget, and according to specifications, including relocation and (re-)installation of cleanroom tools and equipment. 

Permits, Compliance, and Safety: Coordinate applications for relevant permits and approvals with local authorities. Support EHS and cleanroom safety policies. Create and maintain procedures and process flows for facility-related topics and wafer-journey for both our production and R&D lines. 

Training, Awareness, and Procedures: Develop and maintain facility and cleanroom procedures. Run awareness and training sessions for employees on facility and cleanroom rules. Continuous education by attending relevant courses and trainings. 

Procurement Support: Support the procurement process, including collecting offers, creating process orders and perform inventory management. Help improve internal procurement workflows and support the ERP migration. 

Educational Background: Technical degree or certificate in operations or cleanroom-facility management, building services, mechanical or electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field. 

Experience: 5+ years in facility / infrastructure / operation management in semiconductor, electronics, pharmaceutical, medical device or other cleanroom / high-tech manufacturing environment. Must have proven track record of building an infrastructure project. Practical experience with cleanroom or laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, safety, EHS and chemical handling. Experience in operating in accordance with quality systems (ISO 9001, SEMI standards) and laser safety expertise is a strong plus. 

Personal Attributes and Skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills; able to interact with internal teams and confidently push and negotiate with contractors and suppliers. Hands-on and pragmatic with a structured mindset. Comfortable working in a fast-moving, growing startup environment where priorities can evolve. 

Language Skills: Fluency in English and German (spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of Swiss German is a strong asset for dealing with local suppliers, subcontractors, and authorities. 

To become a key player in an early-phase startup and be part of an impact-driven and diverse team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP), reflective of your experience and expertise. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.