From Production to Leadership. Women in Photonics
How Sandra Schwürzinger Conquered the Laser World at IMM Photonics
News & InsightsPublished 09/09/2025
One Woman. One Company. One Passion for Technology.
When you talk to Sandra Schwürzinger, one thing becomes clear right away: she’s a doer.
A Gut Feeling – and the First Step into Laser Technology
A woman who took charge of her own career – and shows what female success can look like in high-tech environments.
And that in a field long considered a male domain: photonics.
In 2000, Sandra walked into the production hall of IMM Photonics back in those days, in Viechtach – not as an engineer, not as a manager, but as a production floor employee.
From her place on the production, the world of laser technology, optical systems, and custom photonic components seemed abstract at first. But what Sandra discovered wasn’t just a job – it was a world full of opportunity.
I had no idea how lasers worked, but I was curious. And that curiosity was nurtured at IMM Photonics.
Discovering a Passion: From Hands-On Work to a Bachelor’s Degree
What began in a production role soon evolved into a full-fledged passion for technology.
With IMM Photonics’ support, Sandra completed her technical diploma, and later her Bachelor of Engineering – while working full time. She studied after hours, wrote papers on weekends, and found consistent guidance in her mentor, Christian Pritzl.
Meanwhile, her career grew step by step:
From production, to development, to digital transformation
Today, Sandra is responsible for digital innovation at IMM Photonics and is part of the extended leadership team.
It’s not about being promoted because I’m a woman. It’s about being taken seriously – just like anyone else.
IMM Photonics: Where People – and Careers – Can Grow
IMM Photonics develops and manufactures:
- Custom optical interconnects
- Laser sources
- Fiber optics and assemblies
- Integrated photonic modules
But most importantly: it builds an environment where people can thrive.
Sandra’s journey is more than a personal success story – it exemplifies a corporate culture that fosters genuine growth.
Why IMM Photonics Stands Out
Work–life balance that works: Employees can bring their children to work when needed—showing true flexibility, especially for working moms.
Collaboration beats hierarchy: Progress is a team effort – and every door is open along the way.
Continuous learning is encouraged: Flexible work and further education is actively supported at IMM Photonics.
Equality in action: Gender and age don’t define career paths – skills and mindset do.
Production with purpose: Women lead in areas such as fine assembly, soldering, and fiber connector bonding – many of them coming from non-technical backgrounds like hairstyling or crafts.
We don’t hire perfect resumes – we train based on potential.
“Just Go For It”: Sandra’s Message to Future Female Engineers
To many, technology still speaks with a male voice. But to Sandra, it’s a space full of curiosity, opportunity, and growth – especially for women.
That’s why her advice is clear:
“Just go for it. Be curious. Don’t overthink it.”
She’s not alone: colleagues like Nicole Stern, currently earning her own technical diploma, are already following in her footsteps.
Through programs like Girls’ Day, IMM Photonics helps inspire the next generation of women in photonics and engineering.
Final Thought: Where Laser Precision Meets Passion
IMM Photonics proves that technical excellence and human-centered leadership go hand in hand.
This is a place where laser solutions for industrial applications are developed – and where careers shine just as brightly.
Like Sandra Schwürzinger’s:
Once a production line worker – now a digital leader helping shape the future of laser technology at IMM Photonics.
Looking to grow your career in photonics? Explore career opportunities at IMM Photonics.
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