Florian Chays

Embedded Systems Engineer

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

About

After 10 years' experience as an optician, I decided to retrain in microtechnology engineering, complemented by an HES Master's degree in embedded systems. I'm passionate about electronics, signal and image processing, hardware and software programming, and optics. Since March 2023, I have been a power test engineer at Sécheron SA, a world leader in electrical solutions for rail transport. I'm responsible for the laboratory's automated installations, measurement acquisition systems and associated software, test methods, and the accreditation and calibration of measuring instruments. I use tools such as MATLAB, VHDL, C/C++ and Linux on a daily basis. I have also designed hardware and software test benches, as well as analysis scripts. Previously, I worked as an HES assistant at the Geneva School of Landscape, Engineering and Architecture (HEPIA), where I took part in innovative research projects such as Textulaser, the hepia emergency ventilator, the pneumoscope, and the development of multi-camera tracking based on hardware neural networks. My Bachelor's project was part of a study on the application of a compression algorithm in cell microscopy, and my Master's project concerned the development of a pulsed magnetic field generator applied to magnetotherapy. I was also responsible for promoting the microtechnology sector, by carrying out demonstration projects and communicating at conventions. I'm motivated, curious and committed, and I'm keen to contribute to technological solutions that meet today's needs and challenges. I'm always ready to learn new skills and take on new challenges. I'm looking for opportunities that allow me to apply my knowledge and experience, while developing my potential and creativity.

Experience

  • Embedded Systems Design Engineer at Self-employed
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    Technical collaboration on a high-precision measurement device currently in pre-patent phase (all project specifics strictly confidential). • Hardware & Firmware: Designed the electronic architecture (schematics, PCB routing) and developed the custom embedded firmware for real-time sensor data acquisition. • GUI Development: Conception of HMI for real-time data visualization and hardware configuration. • Testing & Validation: Conducted system-level integration, signal processing, and data analysis to ensure measurement accuracy and stability. • Technical Stack: C, C++, Qt/QML, Microcontrollers

  • R&D Test Engineer at Sécheron SA
    Dec 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

    • Design of an automatic test bench (electronic and firmware): ✓ Design of driver boards for relays and IGBT including feedback control ✓ Automation of the sequence using MATLAB • Junker Table measurement system: ✓ Development of firmware for force acquisition and position control on a Raspberry pico (Pico SDK) ✓ Creation of a dedicated GUI in C++ using the Qt framework • Data analysis: development of optimised MATLAB scripts for automatic processing

  • Teaching & Research Assistant (HES) at Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève - HEPIA
    Oct 2019 - Mar 2023 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Embedded Innovation: Designed a magnetotherapy device based on FPGA and developed a real-time OCT-based measurement solution for laser texturing. • Advanced R&D: Implemented a proof of concept for multi-camera tracking using hardware neural networks and characterized image compression algorithms. • Signal Processing: Designed a pulsed light LiFi detector and an analog audio spectrograph. • Education: Delivered courses and labs in electronics and programming while promoting the Microtechnology program.

  • Optician - Refractionist at Enseignes Diverses
    Jul 2006 - Sep 2016 · 10 yrs 3 mos

    Sale of eyewear and contact lenses Workshop assembly and various repairs Eye examinations, contact lens fitting, eye screening