(Senior) Manufacturing Engineer (m/f/x) | Climate Tech Startup

Tozero is a materials and green technology company focused on lithium-ion battery recycling, with a mission to close the loop on battery materials and support the transition to a circular economy in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. The company develops and operates processes to recover critical raw materials from spent batteries, reducing dependence on virgin mining and lowering the environmental footprint of battery supply chains. Their work addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition: what to do with batteries at end of life. Tozero positions itself as a done-for-you infrastructure provider for heavy-duty fleet operators, offering uptime and battery lifecycle services that help fleets manage battery health, longevity, and end-of-life processing. By integrating battery management with recycling infrastructure, the company enables fleet operators to maximize the value of their battery assets while ensuring responsible disposal and material recovery. What makes Tozero distinctive is its vertically integrated approach, combining operational fleet support with downstream recycling capabilities. This dual focus allows the company to serve both the immediate needs of fleet electrification and the longer-term material recovery goals of a sustainable battery economy, making it a unique player at the intersection of fleet services and green materials technology.

ABOUT US

tozero is Europe’s leading deep-tech startup specializing in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Committed to securing critical raw material independence and regenerating materials, we are developing innovative and sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced (Senior) Manufacturing Engineer (m/f/x) to join our growing technical team.In this role, you will focus on the industrial-scale demo plant and support the industrialization of our hydrometallurgical recycling technology in an operational environment. You will work across equipment integration, detailed engineering, commissioning, start-up, and ramp-up to help translate technical concepts into reliable plant operations. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership in a fast-paced startup environment and contribute directly to the deployment of cutting-edge recycling technology.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Support the engineering, commissioning, start-up, and ramp-up of our industrial-scale demo plant

• Develop and refine manufacturing and plant concepts, including process layouts, block flow diagrams, and mass and energy balances

• Translate technical and process requirements into robust operational solutions for industrial-scale implementation

• Contribute to pre-feasibility, detailed engineering, and plant execution activities, including process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and layout development

• Prepare technical specifications and data sheets for key equipment procurement

• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to define technical requirements, milestones, and deliverables

• Plan and execute pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, and ramp-up activities

• Support troubleshooting and optimization of plant performance, reliability, and operability

• Plan and execute tests and validation activities on the industrial-scale demo plant

• Use simulations and engineering calculations to validate assumptions and support implementation decisions

• Test and qualify equipment at both company and supplier sites

• Help structure technical workstreams and project activities to achieve milestones on time and within scope

• Work closely with cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, and project execution

Your profile

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, process, production, or industrial engineering, ideally in chemicals, mining, metallurgy, recycling, or related industries

• Strong hands-on experience with commissioning, start-up, and ramp-up activities in an industrial environment

• Experience working on industrial plants, demonstration plants, or scale-up facilities

• Familiarity with industrial process equipment such as pumps, valves, tanks, piping systems, and other plant infrastructure

• Experience with engineering documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, BFDs, technical specifications, and change management systems

• Proficiency in process modeling, simulation, and engineering calculations

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in operational and project settings

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams

• Ideally familiar with industry-relevant standards and regulations such as PED, ATEX, Machinery Directive, REACH, Seveso, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001

• German language skills are a plus

• Passion for sustainability and interest in cleantech, manufacturing, and battery recycling

Why us?

At tozero, we believe in creating a supportive and dynamic work environment where you can grow, contribute, and make an impact.

• Fitness Subscription: Prioritize your well-being with a complimentary fitness subscription, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

• Education Budget: We encourage continuous learning and development. Benefit from an education budget to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Free Snacks and Drinks in the Office: Stay energized throughout the day with a variety of snacks and beverages.

• Jobticket: Conveniently commute to work and all around Germany with our fully subsidized Deutschlandticket.

• Dynamic Startup Environment: Thrive in a highly dynamic startup culture, collaborating with experts in the field and contributing to innovative projects that shape the future