Werkstudent:in Hardware Engineering, Medical Wearables (CAD, Prototyping & Sourcing, direkt im Entwicklungsteam)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent:in Hardware Engineering, Medical Wearables (CAD, Prototyping & Sourcing, direkt im Entwicklungsteam)

Company: Xeno Patch

Location: Germany

Job Type: Intern

Category: Hardware Engineering / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-08

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site (with flexible hours)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the design, development, and optimization of wearable thermotherapy medical devices.

• Act as a technical all-rounder at the intersection of mechanical engineering, assembly, electronics, and embedded software.

• Take ownership of smaller projects within product development, demonstrating a hands-on approach.

• Contribute to component sourcing and the planning/optimization of manufacturing and production processes.

• Gain valuable experience within a dynamic startup environment focused on innovative medical technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Werkstudent:in" (Working Student), the description and responsibilities suggest a role with significant practical application and project ownership, akin to an entry-level operations or product development assistant. The "Technical Founder's Associate" framing emphasizes the high level of responsibility and direct impact expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• CAD Design & Development: Assist in the detailed design and CAD construction of Xeno Patch's wearable thermotherapy products, ensuring accuracy and manufacturability.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate closely with electronics and embedded software teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical components with other system functionalities.

• Component Sourcing & Procurement: Support the sourcing of necessary components, including identifying suppliers, evaluating options, and potentially managing initial procurement tasks.

• Manufacturing & Production Process Optimization: Contribute to the planning and optimization of manufacturing and production workflows, aiming for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Project Management (Small Scale): Independently manage and execute smaller projects within the product development lifecycle, from concept through to initial implementation.

• Prototyping & Testing: Participate in the creation and testing of prototypes, providing feedback for design iterations and improvements.

• Technical Documentation: Assist in creating and maintaining technical documentation related to product design, assembly, and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad scope of involvement, moving beyond pure design to include practical aspects of sourcing and production planning, which are core to operations and product development execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a comparable technical field. Experience:

• Some practical experience in a related field is beneficial, but not strictly required.

• Prior internships or project work in engineering or product development roles will be considered an advantage. Required Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Solid knowledge and practical experience with CAD software for product design and modeling.

• Technical Aptitude: Strong general technical understanding and the ability to grasp complex engineering concepts across disciplines.

• Systematic Approach: Demonstrated ability to approach technical challenges methodically and systematically.

• Interdisciplinary Thinking: Capability to integrate mechanical, electronic, and software requirements into cohesive designs.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a development and production team.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication skills for interacting across different technical departments.

• Proactive & Independent Work Ethic: Ability to work independently, meticulously, and take initiative.

• Hands-on Mentality: A practical, "get-it-done" mindset with a willingness to take on responsibility.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in electronics or embedded software development.

• Familiarity with prototyping techniques and processes.

• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and production planning.

• Experience with component sourcing and supplier interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on being a "Mechanical Allrounder" and the blend of CAD, prototyping, and sourcing skills points towards a role that bridges engineering design with early-stage operations and supply chain considerations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• CAD Project Examples: Showcase examples of CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings from academic or personal projects, demonstrating proficiency in design and detail.

• Prototyping Demonstrations: Include evidence of projects involving physical prototypes, highlighting the design-to-build process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Sourcing/Procurement Experience: If applicable, provide examples of projects where component selection, supplier research, or procurement tasks were involved.

• Technical Problem-Solving Case Studies: Present concise case studies detailing a technical problem encountered in a project, the systematic approach taken to solve it, and the resulting outcome.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing or optimizing a simple workflow for a product development task, such as a design review or a component sourcing process.

• System Integration Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of how different technical systems (mechanical, electrical, software) need to integrate and the challenges involved.

• Efficiency Improvement Examples: Be ready to discuss instances where you identified an inefficiency in a process (academic or personal) and proposed or implemented an improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for a "Werkstudent" role, candidates are strongly advised to prepare examples that illustrate their CAD skills, problem-solving abilities, and any experience with the broader product development lifecycle, including sourcing and manufacturing considerations. This demonstrates readiness for the "all-rounder" aspect of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a "Werkstudent" position in Germany, compensation is typically paid hourly and is often aligned with industry standards for student roles, taking into account the student's year of study and relevant experience.

• Based on typical "Werkstudent" roles in engineering in Germany, a range of €12-€18 per hour is a reasonable estimate. This can vary based on the specific company's funding, the candidate's qualifications, and the exact responsibilities.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is derived from general knowledge of the German job market for student positions in technical fields, referencing common compensation benchmarks for engineering interns and working students in metropolitan areas and tech hubs in Germany.

Benefits:

• Medical Device Development Insights: Gain direct exposure to the intricacies of developing and manufacturing a cutting-edge medical product.

• Versatile Responsibilities: Engage in a wide array of tasks, avoiding a narrowly defined role and fostering broad skill development.

• Direct Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the core development team, production staff, and the founding team, offering significant visibility and learning opportunities.

• Flexible Working Hours: Enjoy working hours that can be flexibly arranged to accommodate academic schedules, ensuring a healthy work-life-study balance.

• Hands-on Project Ownership: Opportunity to lead and manage smaller projects, contributing tangible results and gaining practical project management experience.

Working Hours:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to align with academic commitments. This suggests a part-time role during the semester, potentially full-time during breaks, negotiated based on study load.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on typical compensation for student roles in Germany. The listed benefits are directly extracted from the job description and highlight the unique advantages of working in a startup environment focused on medical technology.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology / Wearable Health Devices. Xeno Patch operates at the intersection of healthcare innovation and advanced hardware engineering, focusing on thermotherapy solutions.

Company Size: Early-stage startup (specific size not provided, but implied by "Founders" and "development team"). This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment with direct access to leadership and a strong emphasis on agility and rapid iteration.

Founded: The company was founded in 2023, indicating a relatively new and rapidly evolving organization.

Team Structure:

• Core Development Team: A close-knit group of engineers and technical specialists working collaboratively.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: High degree of interaction between hardware engineering, electronics, embedded software, and production teams.

• Founder Involvement: Direct collaboration with the founding team, providing insight into strategic decision-making and company vision.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Likely employs agile or lean methodologies for rapid product development and iteration.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: Emphasis on practical, hands-on approaches to engineering challenges.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, a medical device company would inherently rely on data for design validation and process improvement.

Company Website: https://xenopatch.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context points to an environment where initiative, adaptability, and cross-functional skills are highly valued. As a startup in the medical device sector, there's an inherent focus on quality, precision, and regulatory considerations, even at the student level.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Werkstudent:in" role is at the foundational level, offering a "0-2 years" experience stepping stone into hardware engineering and product development operations. It's designed for individuals early in their technical career, likely during their Bachelor's studies.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the "Technical Founder's Associate" or a senior member of the development team, indicating direct mentorship and high visibility.

Operations Impact: The role contributes to the tangible development and refinement of medical wearable devices, directly impacting the product's design, manufacturability, and eventual market readiness. The hands-on nature means contributions are often immediately visible and can influence critical product decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Expansion: Deepen expertise in CAD, mechanical design principles, and potentially gain exposure to electronics and embedded software through cross-functional work.

• Product Development Lifecycle Exposure: Gain comprehensive insight into the entire product development process, from initial concept and design to prototyping, sourcing, and early-stage manufacturing planning.

• Startup Environment Acumen: Develop an understanding of startup dynamics, rapid iteration, and the challenges of bringing innovative products to market.

• Networking & Mentorship: Build relationships with experienced engineers and founders, fostering potential for future career guidance and opportunities.

• Project Leadership: Develop project management and independent work skills by taking ownership of smaller development tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent launchpad for students interested in the operational aspects of hardware product development, offering practical experience that complements academic learning and can shape future career specializations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a modern office or lab space within a startup hub or dedicated facility in Germany, designed for collaborative engineering work.

Office Location(s): Germany. Specific city not provided, but typical for German startups are tech hubs like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, or Stuttgart.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Expect an open-plan or team-oriented workspace designed to foster communication and immediate feedback between team members.

• Engineering Tools & Technology: Access to relevant CAD software, potentially 3D printers for prototyping, and standard office technology.

• Direct Team Interaction: Frequent, informal interactions with colleagues across engineering disciplines and with the founding team.

• Hands-on Lab/Workshop Access: Potential access to workshop or lab areas for prototyping and testing activities.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing integration with academic studies. This implies a standard work week (likely around 40 hours total, spread flexibly) rather than strict 9-to-5.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its startup dynamism, emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and direct access to the core team and resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials (CV, cover letter) focusing on academic background, technical skills (especially CAD), and demonstrated interest in hardware engineering and medical devices.

• Technical Interview (Part 1): Discussion of academic projects, CAD experience, and general technical understanding. May involve a brief technical assessment or problem-solving scenario related to mechanical design.

• Skills & Fit Interview (Part 2): Deeper dive into motivation for the role and Xeno Patch, assessment of "all-rounder" mentality, hands-on approach, and team collaboration capabilities. Discussion of how your skills align with the responsibilities.

• Portfolio Review (Optional but Recommended): If a portfolio is submitted, expect specific questions about your projects, design choices, problem-solving strategies, and any experience with prototyping or sourcing.

• Final Discussion: Opportunity to ask questions about the role, team, and company. May involve a brief chat with a founder or lead engineer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase CAD Proficiency: Present clear CAD models, assemblies, and drawings. Highlight your design process, considerations for manufacturability, and any simulations or analyses performed.

• Detail Problem-Solving: For any project, clearly articulate a technical challenge, your systematic approach to understanding and solving it, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved component fit by X%").

• Illustrate "All-Rounder" Capabilities: Include examples of projects that demonstrate an ability to think beyond pure CAD, perhaps touching on electronics integration, material selection, or assembly considerations.

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight skills most relevant to hardware engineering, medical devices, and the specific responsibilities listed (CAD, prototyping, sourcing).

• Conciseness is Key: For a student role, a focused portfolio demonstrating key skills is more effective than an overly extensive one.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, e.g., "How would you approach designing a housing for a small wearable sensor?" Focus on your thought process, materials, and key considerations.

• Process Optimization Question: You might be asked to describe how you would optimize a simple process, such as managing component inventory or conducting a design review.

• Technical Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss technical trade-offs, such as choosing between different materials or design approaches based on cost, performance, and manufacturability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills, problem-solving aptitude, and cultural fit within a startup environment. Preparing a portfolio that showcases relevant technical abilities and a proactive mindset will significantly enhance an application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, CATIA) is essential for design and construction.

• 3D Printing/Prototyping Equipment: Familiarity with operating and maintaining 3D printers and other prototyping tools for rapid iteration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data from tests or simulations to inform design decisions.

• Documentation Tools: Proficiency in standard office suites for technical documentation and reporting (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).

CRM & Automation:

• Sourcing Platforms: Familiarity with online platforms or databases used for component sourcing and supplier research.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with basic project management or task tracking tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, Jira) may be beneficial for managing smaller projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the core requirement is strong CAD proficiency. Familiarity with the broader product development toolchain, including prototyping technologies and basic sourcing/documentation tools, will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hands-on & Proactive: A strong emphasis on taking initiative, actively contributing, and getting things done rather than waiting for direction.

• Technical Excellence & Precision: Commitment to high-quality engineering, accuracy in design, and attention to detail, especially critical for medical devices.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture of open communication and mutual support, where team members work together to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability & Agility: The ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and challenges, common in a startup environment.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective drive to identify and solve technical challenges effectively and efficiently.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach where hardware, software, and production teams work in close proximity and communication.

• Direct Feedback Loops: Open channels for giving and receiving constructive feedback to accelerate development and improve designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely driven by the startup ethos of innovation, speed, and shared ownership, balanced with the rigorous demands of medical device development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Disciplines: Effectively integrating mechanical designs with electronic and software components can present complex technical challenges.

• Startup Pace & Ambiguity: Navigating the fast-paced, sometimes ambiguous environment of a startup requires adaptability and resilience.

• Component Sourcing Complexities: Finding reliable suppliers and ensuring timely procurement of specific components can be challenging, especially for new products.

• Balancing Academic and Work Demands: Effectively managing time and workload to meet both academic requirements and project responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in CAD, mechanical design, and potentially gain foundational understanding in electronics and embedded systems.

• Industry Exposure: Direct insight into the medical device industry, including product development, regulatory considerations, and market dynamics.

• Practical Project Management: Developing skills in scoping, executing, and delivering small projects independently.

• Mentorship from Founders/Senior Engineers: Learning directly from experienced professionals in a high-impact role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for practical learning in a challenging yet rewarding environment, ideal for students looking to apply their academic knowledge to real-world product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a complex CAD project you worked on. What were the key challenges in designing it, and how did you overcome them?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to walk through your design process, highlight your problem-solving methodology, and discuss any trade-offs you made. Focus on detailing your CAD skills and design thinking.

• "How would you approach sourcing a specific electronic component if the initial supplier was unavailable or too expensive?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate a systematic approach to supplier research, evaluation criteria (cost, lead time, quality), and contingency planning.

• "Describe a time you had to work closely with people from different technical backgrounds (e.g., mechanical vs. software engineers). How did you ensure effective communication and collaboration?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your communication and teamwork skills, emphasizing your ability to bridge technical gaps.

• "What interests you about Xeno Patch and the medical wearables industry specifically?"

  • Preparation: Research Xeno Patch's mission, products, and recent news. Connect your personal interests and career goals to their work and the impact of medical technology.

• "How do you manage your time when balancing demanding academic coursework with work responsibilities?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your organizational strategies, prioritization techniques, and commitment to meeting deadlines for both study and work. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Xeno Patch's current product development stage?"

  • Preparation: Review their website and any publicly available information to understand their progress.

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a fast-paced startup environment?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your adaptability, willingness to take on diverse tasks, and proactive attitude.

• "What are your expectations for a 'Werkstudent' role, and how do you plan to make the most of this opportunity?"

  • Preparation: Express enthusiasm for learning, contributing, and gaining practical experience, aligning your goals with the role's responsibilities. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: When presenting a project, highlight the problem it solved, your specific contributions, and the outcome or learnings.

• Visual Aids: Use clear CAD renderings, photos of prototypes, or simple diagrams to illustrate your work.

• Concise Explanations: Be prepared to explain technical details clearly and concisely, avoiding overly jargon-filled language unless explaining a specific technical concept.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for engineering and product development through your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing practical engineering skills, a proactive and collaborative mindset, and a genuine interest in Xeno Patch's mission within the medical technology sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your academic achievements in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics, any relevant practical experience (internships, projects), and specifically list your CAD software skills and any exposure to electronics, embedded software, prototyping, or sourcing.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your motivation for applying to Xeno Patch, your interest in medical wearables, and how your "all-rounder" mentality and hands-on approach align with the role's requirements. Specifically mention your desire to contribute to product development and manufacturing processes.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing your best CAD work, any prototyping projects, and examples of technical problem-solving. Be ready to present this during an interview.

• Research Xeno Patch: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, products, and any recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and preparedness for company-specific questions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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