Engineering Expert – Post-Processing Technology (Washing & Drying) - Austin
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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
KEY 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
- 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
- A role in shaping the future of 3D-printed footwear and brand partnerships.
- A dynamic and fast-paced work environment within an industry-disrupting company.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The opportunity to collaborate with top-tier brands and industry pioneers.
- A flexible and creative workspace in Austin.