Senior Mechanical Design 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.
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue
Job Description
For our location in Freiburg in Breisgau, we are looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (f/m/d)
In this role you will have the opportunity to contribute to the commercialization of groundbreaking technology.
Your Mission
Mechanical Design & Engineering
- Initiate, lead, and execute concept development, mechanical calculations, and 3D/2D designs, including detailed manufacturing drawings.
- Evaluate new lines, systems, and equipment concepts using engineering calculations and structured analyses.
- Apply material science expertise - especially for high‑temperature, caustic, furnace, or CVD environments - to select appropriate materials and influence design decisions.
Equipment Development & Commissioning
- Prepare, manage, and oversee testing, assembly, installation, and commissioning of new equipment.
- Ensure equipment meets performance targets, safety requirements, and operational reliability.
- Support the development of digital manufacturing documents and contribute to continuous design improvements.
Supplier & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Coordinate technical discussions with suppliers, external partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Provide proactive support to suppliers in equipment usage, troubleshooting, and technical clarification.
- Create, moderate, and manage technical specifications for parts, assemblies, and procurement packages.
Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Support
- Lead design reviews and collaboratively refine concepts with process, materials, and engineering teams.
- Guide decision‑making through technical expertise, structured documentation, and clear communication.
- Contribute to efficient knowledge exchange and support cross‑functional project work.
Your profile
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, ideally with high‑temperature or vacuum equipment.
- Strong material science background, preferably related to graphite vacuum furnaces, CVD systems, or similar thermal process technologies.
- Experience with mechanical design of thermal systems, pressure vessels, or complex process equipment.
- Proficient in 3D/2D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, or similar).
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
- Fluent in English; German is a plus.
- Confident user of the MS Office suite.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let NexWafe know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let NexWafe know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
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About the role
February 20, 2026
Full time
Company
- Freiburg, Germany
5+ years
UTC+01:00
