Axetris Is an Engineer’s Dream

Author: Anja Wieder, Corporate Communications Manager, Leister Group 

Vinu, you’ve been with Axetris for almost ten years now. Looking back—how did your journey here begin?

I came to Axetris in 2015 as a freshly minted PhD. I spoke little German, and I had no hands-on experience in industry. I started as a process engineer in wafer production, where I was responsible for various metrology processes and equipment. 

And today, you’re leading your own team. 

Yes, and I’m proud of that. What was once a small team of eight process engineers has grown into three major divisions with over 30 employees. Metrology has expanded to 13 people, and I was given the opportunity to lead and further develop this team. 

So you didn’t just witness the company’s growth—you actively helped shape it? 

Absolutely. One thing I’m especially proud of is the successful implementation of our automated inspection tool. That allowed us to increase production volume more than tenfold—a major milestone. On a technical level, we’ve also managed to build bridges: metrology now connects our sensor and micro-optics departments better than ever before.

What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during this time? 

That every development in a production environment takes time—usually more than you expect. It’s like trying to fix a car while it’s speeding down the highway. And another thing: product specifications are a good starting point, but the real benchmark is customer feedback. 

What motivates you personally?

Over the years, I’ve come to realize: this is where I belong. As an engineer, as an engineering manager—and as someone who enjoys collaborating with fellow tech enthusiasts. 

When you meet new team members at Axetris—what advice do you give them? 

Axetris really is an engineer’s dream. There’s always something interesting to solve—sometimes even too many things at once. The key is: take it one step at a time. And don’t hesitate to ask your team lead for help prioritizing. That’s how you thrive here. 

Let’s look outside of work—how has your personal life changed? 

I’m 41 now and live in Kriens. I’m even officially a “Krienser” now—after giving up my Indian passport and becoming a Swiss citizen. That was a big step for me, but it feels like the right one. 

You’ve traveled a lot—from India to Switzerland. Were there any other stops along the way? 

Yes, I spent about two and a half years in Portland, Oregon. And honestly, I had offers from some very good universities, but I chose Portland for the nature and the mountains. That’s also why I came to Switzerland—the beautiful landscapes and the Alps.

One last question—what’s next for you?

I want to successfully transfer a few ongoing projects into production—for example, our fab data processing software or the further development of the inspection tool. Once that’s done, I’ll feel like I’ve contributed something truly lasting. 

Thank you, Vinu—for your openness, your dedication, and this fascinating insight.

Want to Learn More? 

Interested in a career at Axetris or looking to help shape the future of our technologies? Get in touch with us.