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

Zellerfeld; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zellerfeld in Hamburg, Germany, is seeking an Engineering Expert – Post-Processing Technology (Washing & Drying) to own the development of its washing and drying systems. The role is hands-on and execution-oriented, requiring deep technical authority in water-based processing systems.

You will mentor younger engineers, collaborate with production and hardware teams, and ensure high engineering standards while delivering scalable, well-documented solutions in a cutting-edge 3D-printed footwear

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering experience in water-based processing systems.
• 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).
• Office in Hamburg, Germany, and close collaboration with local teams.

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

Skills

Water-based processing systems

Prototyping

Test engineering

Fluid dynamics

Heat transfer

Materials compatibility

System integration

Coaching engineers

English fluency

Job description

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

About this position

Zellerfeld is revolutionising the footwear industry with the world’s first 3D-printing technology for fully customizable shoes. Our goal is simple: printed shoes on every foot. We’re a passionate team of engineers, designers, and innovators, questioning the status quo and disrupting traditional manufacturing processes. Backed by founders, influencers, and celebrities who believe in our vision, we’re committed to making a lasting, positive impact—not just on the footwear industry, but on the world.

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.

What you'll do

• 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)
• As a company specializing in both hardware and software, we value close collaboration within our team. Therefore, we are seeking candidates who can join us at our office in Hamburg.