Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Engineer (all genders)

Your mission

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will be the leading expert for hardware manufacturability within our organization. Your mission is to design, optimize, and scale the production of next-generation 3D printers—transforming complex engineering concepts into robust, cost-efficient, and scalable manufacturing solutions.

You will shape the manufacturability strategy from the ground up—defining processes, technologies, and quality standards that influence every stage of our hardware development. This is a senior, high-impact role for someone who pairs deep technical expertise with hands-on execution. You’ll own projects end-to-end, guide cross-functional teams, and ensure that our printers are not only visionary in design but also ready for industrial scale.

Your profile

Your Role

• Act as the subject matter expert in hardware manufacturability setting technical benchmarks and mentoring engineers across departments.
• Design, optimize, and scale the manufacturing of next-generation 3D printers turning complex hardware concepts into production-ready systems.
• Lead manufacturability assessments and implement design improvements that streamline production and reduce cost.
• Own the industrialization process end-to-end from early design feedback through supplier ramp-up, quality validation, and documentation.
• Maintain a hands-on role analyzing components, testing prototypes, and solving design-for-manufacturing challenges directly with engineering and production teams.
• Define and refine production strategies across technologies like additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and injection molding.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including assembly instructions, inspection standards, and supplier guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external manufacturing partners to source, validate, and scale high-precision components.
• Ensure all components meet our standards for quality, cost-efficiency, and production scalability.
• Solve complex production challenges with creativity and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.
  
  

Your Profile

• We’re looking for a senior-level manufacturing engineer with deep technical know-how and a proven ability to bring complex hardware to life at scale.
• Degree in mechanical engineering, production engineering, or a related field.
• 8 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware industrialization.
• Expertise in both additive and traditional manufacturing processes (e.g. CNC machining, sheet metal, injection molding).
• Experience driving DFM processes and transitioning prototypes to serial production.
• Proficiency in CAD for component analysis and design iteration.
• Strong understanding of material behavior, tolerancing, and quality standards in mechanical systems.
• Hands-on approach and comfort working closely with production teams and suppliers.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Proficient in German and English.
• Portfolio or project references demonstrating manufacturability improvements and scaled production rollouts.
  
  

Why us?

Join Us

We are an early-stage startup redefining how shoes are made—powered by 3D printing and a bold vision. In this role, you won’t just be supporting innovation; you’ll be leading it in one of the most critical areas of our production system.

Team and Work-Life

At our Hamburg HQ, you’ll join a diverse, multidisciplinary team of engineers, creators, and entrepreneurs. Our flat hierarchy and collaborative culture ensure your expertise and ideas are always heard. We believe in challenging the norm—and having fun while doing it.

About Us

Zellerfeld is building the future of custom footwear using the world’s first fully 3D-printed shoe production platform. Our mission: printed shoes on every foot. With strong backing from industry leaders and creatives, we’re turning bold ideas into breakthrough products.

Diversity

We value diverse perspectives and unconventional paths. What matters most is your passion, your know-how, and your ability to deliver impact.

About Us

Zellerfeld is revolutionizing the footwear industry with the world’s first 3D-printing technology for fully customizable shoes. Our goal is simple: printed shoes on every foot. We’re a passionate team of engineers, designers, and innovators, questioning the status quo and disrupting traditional manufacturing processes. Backed by founders, influencers, and celebrities who believe in our vision, we’re committed to making a lasting, positive impact—not just on the footwear industry, but on the world.