Mechanical Engineer (Agri-Tech / Sensor Systems) (m/f/d)

Who are we?:
At Stenon, we are on a mission to democratize soil data. As the global market leader in real-time, laboratory-independent soil analytics, we empower farmers with actionable insights to improve yield, crop quality, and soil health while reducing input costs and environmental impact.

To advance our next generation of soil sensing technology, we are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who can design robust, field-ready hardware that survives real agricultural conditions.

Position:
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will take ownership of the mechanical design of a metal soil sensor head that is inserted into and dragged through soil using agricultural machinery (e.g., tractor-mounted systems). You will design durable, manufacturable components that integrate optical sensors, while withstanding abrasion, impact, moisture, and long-term field wear.

You will work closely with electronics, optics, and production teams to bring designs from concept to CNC-manufactured reality.

You will:
• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for a metal soil sensor head used in harsh agricultural environments

• Engineer structures that withstand abrasion, impact, vibration, moisture, and long-term soil contact

• Select suitable metals, coatings, and surface treatments to minimize wear and corrosion in the field

• Design for CNC machining, including tolerances, manufacturability, and cost efficiency

• Integrate optical components such as lenses, windows, and sensor mounts while ensuring alignment stability and environmental sealing

• Collaborate with electronics and optics teams to ensure proper thermal, mechanical, and environmental interfaces

• Create detailed CAD models, technical drawings, and BOMs

• Support prototyping, testing, and iterative design improvements based on field feedback

• Work with production and suppliers to transition designs into small- and medium-scale manufacturing

• Contribute to design documentation and engineering change processes

You have:
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field

• 5 - 8 years experience designing mechanical systems for outdoor or industrial applications (agri-tech, automotive, heavy machinery, robotics, or similar)

• Strong understanding of metal properties, wear mechanisms, and material selection for abrasive environments

• Hands-on experience designing parts for CNC machining

• Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360

• Familiarity with sealing concepts (O-rings, gaskets, IP protection, etc.)

• Basic understanding of opto-mechanical design (mounting lenses, optical windows, sensor alignment)

• Ability to work across disciplines and translate system requirements into robust mechanical designs

• A practical, problem-solving mindset with attention to detail

• Professional working proficiency in English; German is a plus.

Nice to have:

• Background in agricultural machinery or agri-tech equipment design

• Experience with surface treatments or coatings (e.g., hardening, anodizing, PVD, nitriding)

• Exposure to field testing and iterative hardware development

• Experience designing components that interface with soil, sand, or other abrasive media 

• Experience with CFD or numerical simulations to analyze a sensor head moving through soil, including pressure distribution, drag forces, and stress/pressure concentration points

• Familiarity with using simulation results to optimize geometry for durability, reduced wear, and stable sensor operation

What we offer:
• Real-World Impact: Design hardware that goes directly into the hands of farmers, solving global food production and climate challenges.

• Ownership & Growth: A key role in a fast-growing scale-up where you own your area of responsibility with flat hierarchies and fast decision-making.

• Collaborative Culture: Work in a highly productive, international team that values hands-on development and mutual support.

• Year-End Break: Enjoy a paid company-wide closure between Christmas and New Year to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

• Seamless Commuting:  Choose between an ABC Berlin/Potsdam travel pass or a Deutschland-Ticket to keep you mobile.

• Team Spirit: Annual company retreats to warmer climates (last year we went to Gran Canaria), regular social events, and a fully stocked kitchen with coffee, tea, and snacks.

Why us?:
We are changing how farmers understand and manage their soil—moving from lab-based analysis to real-time insights directly in the field. We value transparency, ownership, and continuous improvement, and we believe great products come from teams that respect and support each other.

We set high standards, reward performance, and foster a positive, constructive feedback culture.

Interested?:
If you are ready to tackle the challenge of making complex soil data instantly accessible and actionable for farmers worldwide, we want to hear from you.

Send us your application (CV or LinkedIn). Reach out to [email protected]

if you have any questions – we're happy to help.