Mechanical Engineer in Production [Mid-Senior; F/M/D]

Jan Wilmking, Project Eaden GmbH; Berlin; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Project Eaden GmbH is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design and adapt processing equipment for plant-based protein production. You will support installation, commissioning, and qualification of systems while driving improvements for efficiency and food safety.

The role requires collaboration with production, R&D and quality teams, with a focus on reliable operations, documentation, and vendor coordination in a fast-growing startup in Berlin.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong background in equipment maintenance and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of food industry applications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission new food processing equipment; validate and test before production use.
• Analyze processes; implement improvements to boost efficiency and food safety.
• Repair and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems to minimize downtime.
• Design and test mechanical prototypes; iterate based on production feedback and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with production, R&D and quality teams to optimize equipment performance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including SOPs and schematics.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate procurement to meet specs.

Skills

Mechanical design

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Adaptability

Language proficiency

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Process modeling tools

Manufacturing software

Automation equipment

Job description

Your mission

If you're a mechanical engineer and want to apply your skills to food production technology, this is your chance to develop innovative mechanical systems for plant-based meat manufacturing, this is your chance to take the next step and take operational responsibility. Join us now as we scale operations in a fast-growing, purpose-driven startup.

Key responsibilities

• Machinery Installation & Commissioning: Support installation of new food processing equipment, perform commissioning and validation procedures, and conduct functional testing to ensure proper operation before production use.
• Continuous Modification & Improvement: Analyze existing processes and equipment performance, identify improvements, and design modifications to increase efficiency, reliability, and food safety compliance. Implement optimizations in the production environment.
• Equipment Repair & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, integrated and pneumatic equipment failures. Troubleshoot complex issues in mixers, conveyors, industrial machines, and automation equipment. Implement timely repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Mechanical Design & Process Optimization: Build and test mechanical prototypes and operational processes, validate design performance through testing and prototyping, iterate designs based on production feedback and food safety requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with production, R&D and quality teams to optimize equipment performance and resolve complex production challenges. Communicate equipment status and maintenance needs to production planning and leadership.
• Technical documentation: Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation including S.O.P.s, schematics, mechanical drawings, process diagrams, and system specifications.
• Vendor & Contractor Management: Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers. Coordinate procurement activities, oversee contractor performance, and ensure project deliverables meet specifications.

Your profile

In this role, you'll be responsible for designing custom food processing equipment, developing mechanical solutions for plant-based protein manufacturing, and supporting the mechanical engineering needs of our production operations. As a hands-on mechanical engineer, you’ll work on everything from equipment design to production support.

Requirements

• Professional Experience: 5-8 years of mechanical engineering experience in production or manufacturing environment, preferably with exposure to food processing, manufacturing equipment, or automated systems.
• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field. Strong foundation in equipment maintenance, reliability engineering, and manufacturing processes. Knowledge of food industry applications preferred.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production optimization techniques, familiarity with lean manufacturing principles. Strong troubleshooting abilities with hands-on experience developing mechanical solutions and diagnosing and repairing mechanical equipment failures. Proficiency with CAD software, process modeling tools, and manufacturing software systems.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience in root cause analysis and process troubleshooting. Ability to interpret production data and develop longlasting cost effective engineering solutions.
• Operational Agility: A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and/or German, with professional level in the later, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Why us?

• Scaling Big: We’re at an exciting inflection point, transitioning from a pilot phase to scaling operations. Be part of something transformative and build it from the ground up.
• Top-Tier Backing: We’re supported by world-class VCs and angels who share our vision and believe in our mission.
• The Time is Now: Food needs a massive transformation. Join us in creating irresistible, sustainable food that inspires billions to switch away from animal-based meat, fast!

A word on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We embrace diversity and equal opportunities for all. Shared values and alignment with Project Eaden’s purpose matter most to us. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

Workspace and culture

We’re building something massive—a gentle giant in the food industry. Our team thrives on collaboration, and we believe in the power of face-to-face communication to move fast and work effectively. Currently, we spend most of our time together at our workplace in Berlin to nurture our team spirit and culture. As we grow over the next few years, we aim to evolve into a more distributed workplace, blending the flexibility of remote work with the strength of our shared values and connection.

About Us

Global protein consumption is skyrocketing—especially meat. And that’s creating massive challenges for health, climate, and animal welfare. At Project Eaden, we’re tackling this head-on with our patented fiber spinning technology: plant-based meat with authentic texture and taste. Our LEKKA products are already in millions of homes across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.