Senior Automation Equipment Engineer (f/m/d)
NexWafe
Company Overview
NexWafe GmbH
HeadquartersFreiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Founded2015
SizeThe 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
For our location in Freiburg im Breisgau, we are looking for a Senior Automation Equipment Engineer (f/m/d) to strengthen our Design Engineering department. At NexWafe, we are redefining how silicon wafers are manufactured. Our innovative epitaxial wafer technology reduces process steps, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions, setting a new benchmark for sustainable photovoltaic production. As a Senior Automation Equipment Engineer (f/m/d), you will play an important role in the development, procurement, integration, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment that powers our next-generation production processes. You will transform manufacturing and process requirements into technical equipment concepts and specifications, ensuring reliable and scalable automation solutions.
Join our international team and help drive the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.
Your Mission
- Gather and document stakeholder requirements and translate into equipment specifications and RFQs.
- Support concept development and technical evaluation of automation solutions.
- Review supplier proposals, technical documentation, software architectures, and design packages.
- Participate in design reviews, FAT, SAT, and equipment acceptance activities.
- Define and verify PLC, HMI, robotics, vision system, and MES interface requirements.
- Support deployment of equipment into production environments and monitor performance with corrective actions.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation.
Your profile
- Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, or system integration.
- Experience with automated production equipment, material handling systems, and inspection systems.
- Experience working with equipment suppliers, system integrators, and engineering contractors.
- Working knowledge of PLC architecture and programming, control logic, and automation system design.
- Functional knowledge of MES.
- Strong communication and technical coordination skills.
- Fluent in English. German is an advantage.
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 language courses offered.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let NexWafe know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let NexWafe know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
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About the role
August 25, 2026
August 25, 2026
Full time
Flexible
Company
- Freiburg, Germany
3-5 years
UTC+01:00
