Engineering Expert – Post-Processing Technology (Washing & Drying) - Hamburg

Your mission

Own and drive the development of Zellerfeld’s post-processing systems – particularly washing and drying – as the company’s leading technical authority. This is not a people management role, but a deep technical one: hands-on, execution-oriented, and innovation-driven. The role requires combining years of engineering experience with the ability to build high-quality systems while supporting and challenging a growing team of younger engineers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, prototyping, and implementation of next-generation washing and drying systems for 3D-printed footwear
• Serve as the company's go-to expert for anything related to water treatment, washing machine technologies, and drying systems
• Develop and implement reliable, scalable, and efficient processes to improve drying speed, energy usage, and cleaning effectiveness
• Act as technical mentor and quality gatekeeper for a team of younger engineers – not managing them, but ensuring engineering excellence
• Stay deeply hands-on: test, iterate, and refine prototypes and systems
• Collaborate closely with production, hardware, and material teams to align system design with real-world constraints and opportunities
• Keep up to date with industry best practices, technologies, and innovations and apply them pragmatically
• Ensure all developments are well-documented, tested, and ready to scale

Your profile

• 10+ years of engineering experience in water-based processing systems (e.g., washing machines, dryers, industrial cleaning systems, or water treatment)
• Proven track record of building reliable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solutions
• Deep knowledge of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials compatibility, and system integration
• Strong prototyping and test engineering skills – able to go from concept to functional rig
• Experience working in a manufacturing, lab, or industrial R&D setting
• Comfortable coaching younger engineers and setting high engineering standards without formal disciplinary responsibility
• Hands-on mentality, low ego, high credibility – approachable and respected by the team
• Fluent in English (German a plus)

Why us?

What We Offer:

• A role in shaping the future of 3D-printed footwear and brand partnerships.
• A dynamic and fast-paced work environment within an industry-disrupting company.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to collaborate with top-tier brands and industry pioneers.
• A flexible and creative workspace in Hamburg.

If you are results-driven and have growth mindset, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to join Zellerfeld R&D and play a key role in shaping the future of footwear innovation.

Join Us
We are an innovative startup at the forefront of 3D-printed shoe technology, and we’re looking for passionate engineers to join our dynamic team. In this key role, you’ll have the opportunity to directly influence the future of how shoes are designed and produced, making your mark on an exciting and rapidly growing industry.

Team and Work-Life
At our company, you’ll work with a diverse and multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and innovators who share a common goal: to revolutionize the footwear industry. We value humility, teamwork, and pushing boundaries. With a flat hierarchy, your voice will always be heard, and you’ll have the chance to collaborate across the team—including with leadership.

Diversity
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture. Your background, age, race, gender, or beliefs don’t matter to us—what counts is your passion and the value you bring to the team.