Internship in Engineering - Automation, Robotics, and Related Fields (60 – 100%, 9-12 Months)

Think big, act sustainably, change the world - are you in? Join us in shaping the future of materials!

We are a fast-growing startup and ETH Zurich spin-off, pioneering sustainable biomaterials made from microorganisms. We develop high-performance, renewable functional ingredients designed to replace petroleum-based additives in applications such as cosmetics and adhesives.

We are now looking for an all-round talent for our tech team to support and contribute to the technological development of our smart factory production units as well as other related internal projects such as the implementation of ERP and MES systems and the development of in-house software solutions for certain specific use cases.

Potential candidates should have a strong focus on industrial software development and programming but should also bring a complementary skill set and the motivation to assist with hardware development and installation, such as electrical work, metal work and other mechanical tasks related to prototype construction.

Key Responsibilities:

Ownership of internal software projects – Take the leadindevelopment andimplementation of software and tools used in Treeless smart factories:

· Development and implementation of new software solutions for our smart factory production units such as proprietary operating systems or SCADA solutions

· Development of a reliable data management system to ensure full traceability during production as well as implementation of potential machine learning algorithms to introduce reinforcement learning and similar practices to our factories

· Introduction evaluation, management and ownership of projects with external integration partners, such as ERP or MES systems

Hands on prototype development and assembly – Work in the engineering team and contribute to the further development and improvement of our prototypes:

· Programming and debugging of PLCs and robots

· Component design, digital fabrication and assembly

· Installation, testing and calibration of sensors and other surveillance systems

· Requirements engineering, validation and selection of new components and machinery

· Assistance with metal fabrication, electrical installation and other related tasks

Requirements

· Degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, automation engineering, computer science, data science or a related technical field

· Experience in software development and data management with Python + SQL

· Experience in PLC programming (IEC 61131-3 and/or IEC61499 standard)

· Experience in project management

· Basic understanding of CAD programs and ability to work with technical drawings and electric schemes

· Experience with industrial robots and programming

· Complementary skill set and willingness to engage in mechanical work and prototype construction

· Fluent in English; German is a plus

Nice to have

· Experience with the implementation of ERP, MES or other related systems

· Deeper understanding and knowledge in electrical planning and execution

· Experience in digital fabrication such as 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC or similar

· Hands on experience in prototype construction

Soft skills & mindset

· Strong entrepreneurial and ownership mindset

· Team-player and sparring partner for Founders and colleagues

· Highly results-driven, with a clear focus on feasibility and impact

· Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability

· Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving startup environment

· Resilient, persistent, and motivated by building something new

What we offer

We offer a paid engineering internship in a purpose-driven deep-tech biotech startup, with direct impact on system design and success of our smart factory modules.

You will work closely with an experienced founding team, gain exposure to cutting-edge biomaterials technology, and contribute to the long-term success of our biomanufacturing plants.

Location: 8952 Schlieren
Start Date: To be agreed
Language: English; German is a plus

Workload: 60-100 %, candidates must be eligible to work in Switzerland

Work Location: In person