Lead Engineer

About the Venture

We are an early-stage deep-tech start-up emerging from applied research in food and bioprocess engineering. Our mission is to bring a novel emerging cold pasteurization technology for beverages and biotech applications to market — enabling high-quality, energy-efficient processing that preserves product integrity and enhances sustainability.

The work is supported by the Technical University of Applied Sciences Mannheim (Technische Hochschule Mannheim) , providing access to research infrastructure, technical expertise, and an academic innovation network. Following successful prototype development, the team aims to enter the EXIST Research Transfer program to establish the company and progress toward pilot-scale validation and early commercialisation during 2026–2028.

Position Summary

As Lead Engineer & Co-Founder, you will play a central role in transforming scientific research into robust, scalable engineering solutions. You will lead prototype development, process optimisation, and system integration, working closely with the founding team to define the company's technical roadmap and innovation strategy.

This is a co-founder position offering significant technical responsibility, strategic influence, and equity participation in the future company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design, prototype development, and performance validation of the emerging processing system.
• Translate the technology roadmap into practical development and testing plans.
• Develop and qualify automation, control, and data-driven optimisation systems.
• Oversee lab and workshop infrastructure, including procurement and safety.
• Supervise and mentor technical staff (technician, interns, students).
• Prepare technical documentation for EXIST reporting, investor updates, and partners.
• Contribute to IP development, manufacturability studies, and risk assessments.
• Represent the venture in discussions with suppliers, research collaborators, and technical partners.

Profile / Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, process, chemical, or mechatronics engineering (MSc or PhD preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in prototype development, automation, or process scale-up.
• Background in food, beverage, or bioprocess engineering is advantageous.
• Skills in data analytics, control systems, or digital process monitoring preferred.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience in project management is an asset
• Excellent communication skills in English and German

Engagement Terms

• Full-time, starting May or June 2026, conditional on EXIST Research Transfer approval.
• Co-founder role with potential equity participation.
• Funding through the EXIST Research Transfer program; employment benefits in accordance with the public sector collective agreement (TV-L)
• Funding duration: 18 months under EXIST Transfer Phase I.

Benefits of Joining

• Direct impact: Shape the company's core technology and culture from the ground up.
• Equity participation: Opportunity for long-term ownership and value creation.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Engage with business, research, and industrial partners.
• Innovation-driven environment: Agile, creative, and purpose-oriented workplace.
• Fast professional growth: Broad experience across engineering, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
• Academic and technical support: Access to HS Mannheim's facilities, mentors, and research network.
• Visibility and credibility: Build a strong reputation in the European deep-tech and food-biotech ecosystem.
• Structured support: Operate within the EXIST Transfer framework with mentorship, funding, and validation pathways.

Join Us

If you are passionate about deep-tech innovation, process engineering, and building sustainable technologies with real-world impact, we would love to hear from you.

Contact:

Dr. Ana Lucia Vásquez-Caicedo

E-Mail: .education

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 4.630,00€ ,00€ per month

Work Location: Hybrid remote in 68163 Mannheim