Bringing ideas to life

Lukas Gasser’s screen is displaying the program code for a client-specific application. Next to it stands an unassuming device fitted with sensors, which is analysing the ambient air. Its role is to detect at an early stage whether corrosive substances in the air could damage sensitive electronics – for example, in data centres or anywhere where air-conditioning systems, cooling systems or chemical filters modify the air. The device is already in series production. Lukas is working on refining its functions and ensuring its long-term reliability.

For the software developer at Cicor’s Bronschhofen location in Switzerland, looking to the future is part of his day-to-day work. Whilst programming and testing functions, he is already thinking about everything that will not become relevant until several months later. What risks need to be eliminated? What are the requirements for approvals? And how must the hardware and software work together to ensure that the device can be tested reliably, manufactured cost-effectively and maintained over the long term? It is precisely this mindset that characterises Cicor’s engineering team. For them, ‘development’ means looking at the entire life cycle of a product.

Fulfilling the most stringent requirements
At Cicor’s locations in Switzerland, Sweden, France and Romania, around 100 specialists develop hardware and software, mechanical systems and complete electronic systems. The international engineering network is complemented by teams in Vietnam and Singapore, which contribute their specific expertise and capacity to joint projects. They collaborate on solutions for medical technology, industry, and the aerospace and defence sectors – on products that must fulfil the most stringent requirements in terms of safety, reliability and miniaturisation.

“At Cicor, development and industrialisation have gone hand-in-hand from the very beginning,” says Andreas Thomann, Vice President of Engineering. “We call it Simultaneous Engineering. Whilst we’re developing a product, we also design the manufacturing and testing processes in parallel, already taking future manufacturing costs into account.”

Bringing together international expertise
Another workplace in Bronschhofen also illustrates just how closely development and production are intertwined. Hardware developer Lars Müggler is working on the further development of a custom device for the hearing-aid industry. He is analysing existing functions and translating them into an optimised concept suitable for series production. Every detail is analysed; every function is thoroughly understood. Teams often benefit from experience gained in completely different sectors. Solutions from industry find their way into medical devices, while insights from communications systems help to identify solutions in aerospace. 
The value of this international exchange is particularly evident when it comes to future-oriented issues such as cybersecurity. Nowadays, connected devices need to do far more than just work reliably – they also need to be protected against attacks. This is why specialists from multiple countries work together at Cicor as part of an expert group spanning several locations. “When it comes to cybersecurity in particular, we really value the exchange with colleagues from other locations,” says Christian Anton, Managing Director of Cicor MedTech in Bucharest. His team joined Cicor in 2024 and brings extensive specialist expertise in the field of miniaturised medical devices, such as wearables and implants. 

Direct exchange with clients
The collective expertise of Cicor’s engineering team directly benefits clients – for one simple reason: at Cicor, many developers are also system engineers. They collaborate with colleagues to design concepts and circuits, write software or develop mechanical solutions. Their specialist knowledge also feeds directly into discussions with clients and technical decision-making. Project managers support them by coordinating schedules, costs and collaboration.
“We’re constantly switching between technical details and the high-level perspective of client communication”, says software developer Lukas, describing his day-to-day work. “One moment we’re delving deep into bits and bytes, and the next we’re discussing risks, costs or new product features with the client.” 
This close interaction enables quick and direct communication – and ensures that technical expertise is available precisely where decisions are made. In this way, the engineering team exemplifies what has distinguished Cicor for 60 years: working together with clients to turn ideas into reliable products ready for series production.