Project «Braingain»
Tech careers in Graubünden
Outstanding opportunities in the Rhine Valley
Connected across the industry
Graubünden’s Rhine Valley has developed an impressive concentration of leading technology companies. Market leaders in sensor technology, electronics, life sciences, polymer chemistry, and machinery and tool manufacturing operate globally from here. The region’s six largest technology companies alone need around 160 new engineers every year. For you, that means a wealth of outstanding job openings and excellent opportunities to launch your career or take the next step.
The region combines a collaborative network with distinctive company cultures. Here, you’ll find a closely connected ecosystem rather than the impersonal competition of a big city. Katja Bartholet-Zweifel, Head of Human Resources at innovation leader Oblamatik (Viega Schweiz AG), highlights what this offers applicants: “Every company has its own culture and identity. That’s precisely what makes it so interesting for prospective employees.”
Newcomers find the complete package: jobs with a secure future, an excellent education system for their children and affordable housing for the whole family. Add to this an unrivalled range of leisure opportunities, as Birte Anrig, HR Business Partner at TRUMPF, confirms: “Where else can you have a demanding job and clear your head with a lunchtime ski? That’s something truly unique to Graubünden, and it makes an enormous contribution to quality of life.” The region is also investing heavily in expanding specialist engineering degree programmes at Fachhochschule Graubünden (FHGR), providing the technology hub with a local pipeline of fresh talent.
STEM initiatives and new ways of working
Nurturing talent and flexibility
Demand for STEM specialists – in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – across Graubünden’s economy is driving innovative regional projects. Experts such as Fabio Aresu take a comprehensive approach to meeting this demand through targeted public outreach, strategic business consultancy and dedicated STEM kits for primary schools. The aim is clear: to make playful, hands-on introductions to technology widely available, giving tomorrow’s engineers encouragement and valuable practical experience, whatever their family background.
Another key priority for Graubünden’s Rhine Valley is sustained support for women in technical careers. To address the severe underrepresentation of women in traditional STEM disciplines, regional initiatives begin at school, creating supportive spaces where girls can gain their own technical experience and develop solutions.
To help talented women and men enjoy fulfilling careers long after graduation, Graubünden’s technology employers embrace modern ways of working. Rigid expectations of being physically present are giving way to maximum flexibility.
“Part-time work and personalised working hours are now standard expectations of an employer, and they’ve been normal practice for us for some time. We also offer up to five additional days of annual leave, which employees can easily purchase,” explains Birte Anrig of TRUMPF.
Oblamatik also champions this collaborative approach: “We actively encourage part-time work and offer individual working hours so that we can be as family-friendly as possible,” says Katja Bartholet-Zweifel. Technology professionals can therefore find ideal conditions for balancing a demanding career with their relationships, family and leisure time.
More about Graubünden as a business and technology location
Think big where there’s room to do so. Attractive business conditions, direct access to research excellence and an unrivalled quality of life create ideal conditions for investment, sustainable growth and long-term prospects.
