Mechanical Design Engineer (EN) (m/f/x)

What You'll Gain You're joining at a rare moment – a robotics hardware startup right as it's about to enter the market, and the market has never sent a stronger signal. We have pre-orders in the high 6-figures for 2026 just from demos alone. This isn't a "follow the blueprint" role. You'll own the full mechanical design lifecycle – from concept sketches to series production – for a truly groundbreaking product. You'll work directly with our CTO in a lean setup where your decisions matter immediately. You'll take our innovative ceiling-based mobility platform and turn it into a manufacturable, scalable product. The design challenges are real, the constraints are real, and the impact is massive. About CeiliX We've built something truly new in logistics tech: ceiling-based robots that move freely in all directions, solving a fundamental problem in industrial and warehouse logistics. We have a proven product – systems are already live with customers in the EU and US, and we have more than double the number of projected pre-orders at this stage. We're ready to start scaling! Our solution is a first of its kind in warehouse logistics, with use cases limited only by imagination. One of the most compelling? Humanoid robotics manufacturing. The industry is on the cusp of a big boom, and current solutions are lacking. We have the most technically advanced solution on the market to aid in humanoid manufacturing and testing. The humanoid robotics wave is happening now, and we're positioned to be a key part of it. Current traction: €800k+ in pre-orders (vs. €300k projected) 1,000+ qualified leads in pipeline Live installations in multiple markets What You'll Actually Do Own end-to-end mechanical design: Design complex mechanisms (chain units, moving parts, grippers, lifts) from concept through series production Create detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks Select materials, processes, and fastening solutions based on application requirements Conduct design trade-offs and validate through prototyping Generate technical documentation throughout the development process Bridge design and manufacturing: Apply design-for-manufacture principles to ensure producibility Work with suppliers on sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Electrical, Systems, Quality) for seamless integration Support testing, qualification, and acceptance activities Drive product evolution: Optimize existing mechanisms for cost, performance, and manufacturability Ensure compliance with CE certification and Machinery Directive standards Troubleshoot mechanical issues and iterate quickly Typical work setup: Primarily on-site in Euskirchen (NRW, Cologne–Bonn area). ~1 day/week home office possible once you're up to speed. More flexibility for highly autonomous senior candidates. What We Need From You What you'll need to do the role (if you’re more junior and don’t tick all boxes – it's okay, apply anyway!): 3+ years in mechanical design for industrial applications (up to 15 years welcome, but not looking for management) Expert SolidWorks skills (or equivalent CAD tool) Proven experience designing complex mechanisms – you’ll have to show something you’ve built in the interview process Deep materials knowledge – metals, alloys, plastics, surface treatments, lubrication Hardware product development – you've taken physical products from concept to production Technical drawing expertise – detailed manufacturing drawings with proper measurements Startup mentality – flexible, autonomous, takes ownership without waiting for instructions Strong 3D spatial thinking – you visualize how parts move and fit together Fluent German – you'll work with German suppliers regularly Fluent English – for internal communication and documentation, although everyone in the current team speaks German Eligible to work in the EU Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or similar Nice-to-haves (totally fine if you don't have them): Sheet metal design and manufacturing experience (highly valued) CNC machining background or apprenticeship experience AGV/AMR manufacturer experience or industrial automation background Why This Role Matters Right Now We have a proven product, real revenue, and a booming market ahead. But we're still only 8 people. Your ability to design mechanisms that are manufacturable, scalable, and reliable will directly determine whether we can deliver on our €800k+ in orders and scale beyond. This is a high-leverage role: what you design in the next 6-12 months will be installed in warehouses across Europe and US. You'll own the mechanical design decisions that define our product. The design challenges are hard – ceiling-based mobility, complex motion systems, industrial durability requirements – but if you're the kind of engineer who gets excited by tough problems and wants to see your designs in production, this is it. About the Team Find our team on our website: ceilix.com , and there you can also see the magic of our solution in action. Next Steps Interested? Apply and we'll get back to you within 2 days if we want to talk. Our goal is to respond to everyone who applies, but sometimes it might take a bit longer, so we appreciate your patience if you don't hear back within a couple of days.