Process Engineer (f/m/d)
NexWafe
Company Overview
NexWafe GmbH
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
2015
The number of employees is not publicly specified, and as a private company, no revenue data for 2023 or later is disclosed. The company has raised approximately 95 million euros in funding, including a financing round of 30 million euros in May 2023 (source: eu-startups.com).
What They Do
NexWafe is an innovative company specializing in the production of advanced solar wafers. The company's core technology focuses exclusively on photovoltaics, manufacturing ultra-thin, high-efficiency monocrystalline n-type silicon wafers through a proprietary EpiWafer or EpiNex process. This process allows for the deposition of a crystalline silicon layer on a reusable substrate, eliminating the need for traditional methods of Czochralski crystal growth and wire sawing (source: netzerocompare.com). This technology reduces energy consumption by 40-70% and CO2 emissions by 40-70%, while cutting material waste from over 50% to under 10% (source: businesswire.com). NexWafe's products are designed for use in terrestrial solar projects, residential installations, and emerging applications such as tandem cells (source: nexwafe.com).
Projects & Track Record
NexWafe has an impressive track record in pilot projects, including a 5 MW pilot line in Freiburg that was launched in 2021, as well as the introduction of a commercial line in 2020. A notable project was a European solar project on 200 acres that achieved a 20% higher energy yield compared to conventional wafers (source: eu-startups.com). The company is currently planning to build its first commercial green wafer factory in Bitterfeld, Germany, supported by a financing round of 30 million euros (source: eu-startups.com).
Recent Developments
In the past two years, NexWafe has made significant progress, including the announcement of efficiency parity of 24.4% for HJT cells and 28.9% for tandem cells (source: businesswire.com). In May 2023, the company secured 30 million euros for the construction of its factory in Bitterfeld, while simultaneously completing a financing round of 39 million euros for a gigafactory in India (source: eu-startups.com). The company has also established a collaboration with Aramco Ventures for production in Saudi Arabia.
Working There
NexWafe offers a variety of roles in a growing team focused on expanding prototype production. The company culture emphasizes innovation, customer-oriented solutions, and the commercialization of research technologies (source: careers.nexwafe.com). The headquarters is located in Freiburg, with potential locations in Bitterfeld, the USA, India, or Saudi Arabia, while specific benefits or perks are not documented in the available sources.
Contact
Last updated on 2025-12-27 | Report an issue
Job Description
For our location in Freiburg in Breisgau, we are looking for a Process Engineer (f/m/d).
In this role, you will be part of the team responsible for translating process development requirements into fully functioning production tools. Your focus will be on wet chemical etching equipment, where your creative engineering ideas and hands‑on approach will help solve complex technical challenges in a highly customized machine environment. You will drive improvements, own key tools, and play a vital role in shaping next‑generation wet chemistry and CVD equipment.
Join our global team, shape the future of renewable energy and discover your career opportunities at NexWafe.
Your Mission
Core Responsibilities
- Act as the technical owner for existing wet chemical etching tools at our Freiburg site.
- Translate process development requirements into robust machine concepts and functional tool designs.
- Lead and support the commissioning and acceptance of new equipment.
Operational Tasks
- Write technical specifications for wet chemical etching tools and negotiate requirements with equipment vendors.
- Plan, execute, and evaluate experiments focused on improving tool performance, process stability, and product quality.
- Develop new design concepts for wet chemical and CVD tools to enhance throughput, quality, or cost efficiency.
- Conduct literature reviews on process conditions, hardware design principles, and material selection.
- Analyze machine and process data to identify improvement opportunities and drive optimization initiatives.
- Validate simulation results through experimental comparison and reporting.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to other project areas as needed.
Your profile
- Master's degree in Chemical/Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of relevant industry experience, ideally in equipment or process engineering.
- Hands-on experience with the design or operation of wet chemical etching tools.
- Strong understanding of heat and mass transfer principles.
- Preferably, experience in evaluating and interpreting complex datasets.
- Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken), German is a plus.
- Curiosity and willingness to learn new topics, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
- Structured working style, problem-solving mindset, and ability to prioritize tasks.
Why us?
- A diverse team: Short decision-making processes, flat hierarchies and collaboration with experts from different areas await you.
- A diverse and exciting job: A company that contributes to the commercialisation of environmentally friendly solar energy with a low carbon footprint.
- Stability with a certain degree of flexibility: A permanent position with flexible working hours.
- Attractive remuneration programme: An attractive salary, a company pension scheme and profit-sharing for employees.
- Healthy balance: Take your physical and mental health to the next level with an annual health budget and a HanseFit membership!
- Expand your language skills: Optimise your career prospects with the English and German courses offered.
Apply now
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About the role
February 20, 2026
Full Time
Company
- Freiburg, Germany
5+ years of relevant industry experience
UTC+01:00
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