Process Development Engineering Lead (f/m/d) FoodTech Startup
- Support shaping the strategic roadmap for capacity scale-up and COGS optimization, proactively providing the CTO, Production, and Procurement teams with the data-driven direction needed to make sound decisions. Own Process & Governance:
- Own end-to-end feasibility studies and tech transfers for newly developed processes, holding clear review and approval authority over non-standard process modifications. Lead Through Influence:
- Navigate through cross-functional matrix teams with a hands-on approach, mentoring process engineers and keeping key stakeholders aligned Bridge R&D to Reality:
- Translate laboratory breakthroughs into robust equipment specifications and production requirements, rigorous technology stress-tests and clear financial models Guard Standards & Escalate:
- Act as a critical gatekeeper by exercising veto rights on high-risk implementations, escalating immediately to the CTO if product quality, safety, CAPEX headroom or target COGS are at risk Align Engineering & CAPEX:
- Feed validated process specifications directly into the Pilsen 2.0 CAPEX roadmap, ensuring seamless alignment between process industrialization and capital expenditure
- Hands-on experience scaling lab-scale processes to profitable industrial production amidst real-world complexity
- Degree in Food Technology or Chemical/Process Engineering with a deep understanding of how process parameters affect food product sensory (taste, texture, stability)
- Deep expertise in food or powder-handling unit operations, with a hands-on mastery of thermodynamics, heat transfer, particle technology and mass balances
- Familiarity with ATEX environments and a clear understanding of how physical scaling effects impact complex unit operations
- Hands-on experience with P&ID design, automation schemes, equipment procurement, and a clear grasp of manufacturing costs, capital expenditure and operating expenses (COGS/CAPEX/OPEX)
- Intellectually curious, creative problem solver who challenges the status quo.
- Fluent in English; conversational German or Czech is a plus.
A Sweet Package
- Early ownership and responsibility in a fast-moving environment
- Collaborate with a passionate international team working at the edge of what's possible
- Work in a rare food-tech startups that is scaling and operating in a 24/7 4-shift production system
- A position where you can help to challenge a trillion-dollar industry!
- A very competitive compensation and opportunity to grow
- Stuff that other startups do as well (30 days vacation, tasty lunches, snacks, drinks, vouchers, gym...)
- PLUS: Chocolate. Every. Single. Day.
As Lead Expert Process Development (f/m/d), you will own the industrialization of our core production process end-to-end turning R&D breakthroughs into equipment specifications, operational realities, and a commercially viable cost structure. You will serve as the strategic interface between the CTO, Product & Application, Production, CAPEX and Procurement, connecting our Munich-based headquarters and lab with our production site in Pilsen, Czech Republic. We are looking for a proactive driver who brings the analysis, recommendations, and execution plans to the table. With a critical scaling milestone in 2027 and a continuous-process target on the horizon, your work will directly impact whether our business plan succeeds. Alongside our Experts for Flavor & Analytics and IP & Data, you will form our Science Hub, reporting directly to the Head of R&D (currently our CTO, Sara Marquart). Drive Strategy & Scale:
As an equal-opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, starting from evaluating all applications fairly. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and abilities to apply.