(Junior) Applied Engineer – Prototyping & Applied Systems (m/f/d)

About Zander Labs

Zander Labs is at the forefront of neuroadaptive technology, dedicated to pioneering solutions that enhance human-computer interaction. With our groundbreaking NAFAS project—a €30 million initiative—Zander Labs is set to revolutionize the field of AI-driven mental state monitoring, and we’re looking for talented individuals to join us on this exciting journey.

Position Overview

We are looking for a (Junior) Applied Engineer to support the rapid development of functional prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and early-stage systems.

This role is strongly execution-focused. You will work closely with scientists and the AI team to turn loosely defined ideas into concrete, working implementations. The emphasis is on building, testing, and iterating. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering, learns quickly, and wants to help create new solutions with our BCI technology from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and iterate on technical prototypes (primarily software, occasionally hardware-adjacent, e.g. robotics)

• Implement small tools, scripts, and demos to explore new ideas

• Integrate APIs, sensors, data streams, and third-party libraries

• Support early-stage system design, testing and integrating hardware, and technical decision-making

• Test, debug, and harden prototypes for demos, pilots, or internal use

• Document setups, assumptions, and technical decisions clearly

• Collaborate closely with senior engineers during rapid iteration cycles
  

What we offer

• Direct involvement in building real systems from the start

• Exposure to early-stage product and system decisions

• A pragmatic, low-hierarchy team environment, and a strong learning curve with room to grow into more responsibility

• Technical mentorship and frequent feedback

• 1–2 years of professional experience in a relevant technical or applied engineering role (or equivalent hands-on project experience)

• Degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience

• Solid programming skills (e.g. Python, JavaScript, or similar), and experience using modern developer tools, including AI-assisted coding tools

• Comfort working with incomplete requirements and ambiguous problems

• Strong hands-on mindset: you enjoy making things work

Nice to have

• Experience with rapid prototyping, hackathons, or side projects

• Familiarity with signal processing, some data science and/or ML

• Experience integrating hardware, sensors, or experimental systems

• Interest in applied, human-centered, or interactive technology