
High-precision metal parts are crucial for the manufacturing sector; yet programming machines to produce these components remains a time-consuming and repetitive task. As the shortage of skilled workers intensifies, this process increasingly becomes a bottleneck. Manukai, a spinoff from ETH Zürich, addresses this challenge by developing a novel AI, which automates repetitive programming tasks by leveraging available production data.

High-precision metal parts are crucial for the manufacturing sector; yet programming machines to produce these components remains a time-consuming and repetitive task. As the shortage of skilled workers intensifies, this process increasingly becomes a bottleneck. Manukai, a spinoff from ETH Zürich, addresses this challenge by developing a novel AI, which automates repetitive programming tasks by leveraging available production data.
What: On‑premise AI platform that automates and standardizes CNC/CAM programming by learning from a manufacturer's CAM/NC history
Origin: Spin‑off from the Chair of Computational Science at ETH Zürich
Founders / Leadership: Dr. Pascal Weber (CEO & Co‑Founder); Dr. Daniel Wälchli (CTO & Co‑Founder)
Stage / Team: Closed beta; ~11 employees
Funding (reported): Pre‑seed round announced Mar 31, 2025; reported investors include QBIT Capital, Innosuisse, Bloomhaus Ventures
Manufacturing software: CNC/CAM programming automation and process optimization for metal machining
Industrial / Manufacturing Software
$3,000,000
Reported pre‑seed round; investors listed include QBIT Capital, Innosuisse, Bloomhaus Ventures.
“QBIT Capital, Innosuisse, Bloomhaus Ventures participated in a reported pre‑seed round”
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About Us
Manukai stands for Manu _facturing and Kai _zen, a Japanese methodology of continuous improvement that translates to “change for better.” In ancient Greek, Kai _ros means “the opportune moment.”
We are a , aiming to bridge the gap between metal part design and machining. Our empowers manufacturers to prioritize their clients’ needs and deliver high-quality products to the market. Our primary focus is making an immediate impact, with client satisfaction as our utmost priority.
The Role
You will design, develop, and continuously improve Manukai’s solution. You will be responsible for driving the development of our backend and implementing system integrations. Working closely with the CTO and the engineering team, you will help build highly reliable, scalable, and maintainable products. In this role, you will also troubleshoot and optimize data flows between services.
As an early hire at Manukai, you will become a key member of our startup and play an active role in shaping both our product and our company through your proactive contribution of new ideas.
About You
You are a team player with a strong interest in technical challenges. You value short decision-making processes and are capable of independently bringing ideas to life. You actively contribute your perspective in team discussions on architecture, design, and code reviews. You are enthusiastic about your work and help remove obstacles for yourself and others. You thrive in a dynamic environment with evolving needs and requirements. You are eligible to work in Switzerland.
Tasks
Develop and maintain the backbone of Manukai’s software stack (primariliy Python)
Implement and monitor system integrations (primarily C#)
Automate and optimize processes and workflows
Deep dive into problems to design efficient solutions
Maintain high software quality and sustainable development practices; review code from other team members and provide feedback to ensure best practices (e.g., testability, efficiency, and style)
Document architecture and integration processes
Manukai Tech Stack:
C# – integration with Windows-based systems
Python – backend and automation
C++ – high-performance modules
Unix on server environments, Windows as working OS
Requirements
Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a quantitative field, or equivalent professional experience building complex software systems
Advanced knowledge of Python
Good knowledge of object-oriented programming languages such as C++ and C#
Proven experience in software engineering with solid exposure to backend development and systems integration (experience integrating software with CAD/CAM platforms is highly valued)
Solid knowledge of Windows operating systems
Experience designing or maintaining data interfaces between applications and relational databases (e.g., SQLite , PostgreSQL , SQL Server )
Strong understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring
Advantageous:
Benefits
Personal growth potential: You will be a key team member and part of the success story.
Equity participation: You’ll have the opportunity to share in the company’s success through our stock option plan.
Personal development: Dedicated time to pursue your personal interests and goals.
Time off and flexibility: Generous vacation and flexible work hours.
Pension plan: Generous and competitive.
Location: Zürich or remote.
At Manukai, we work on real problems with real impact. We combine advanced AI algorithms, human-centered design, and deep respect for craftsmanship in manufacturing. If you’re looking for meaningful work, a sharp team, and a culture that cares — we’d love to meet you.