Working Student R&D | High-Tech Compressor Startup

Do you want to do more than just solve practice problems, but see how an idea becomes a component and how a component becomes a test?

At Ecalia, you will work on real tasks related to scroll compressors — compact compressors with interlocking spirals — as well as refrigeration and heat pump technology. You will investigate clearly defined technical questions, develop solutions under review, and see how your results are incorporated into CAD models, prototypes, or test bench experiments.

We do not expect you to be a fully-fledged development engineer already. We are looking for a person with solid technical fundamentals, a willingness to learn, and diligence, who wants to grow through real product development.

Ecalia is a deep-tech startup from Stuttgart. We are developing scroll compressor-expander systems designed to make heating and cooling systems significantly more efficient. To achieve this, we combine physics, mechanical engineering, experiments, and AI-driven development work. We work at the Institute for Plastics Technology at the University of Stuttgart, directly on our prototypes and test facilities.

Start: from November 2026

Scope: min. 15 hrs./week, on-site in Stuttgart-Süd

Tasks

You will not start with responsibility for an entire compressor system. Together, we will select a focus area that matches your prior knowledge and define clear development packages from it.

Specifically, this can mean:

• Addressing technical questions: Understanding requirements, documenting assumptions, comparing solution approaches, and validating results.
• Performing calculations and parameter studies: Working on small-scale designs or physical models using manual calculations, Python, or suitable simulation tools.
• Co-developing in CAD: Modeling components or assemblies and improving them for manufacturability under review, for example, using Autodesk Inventor.
• Preparing experiments and evaluating Structuring and processing measurement plans, datasets, and experimental results, and deriving next steps from them.
• Using AI as an engineering tool: For research, calculation, code, and documentation — with critical review instead of blind adoption.
• Documenting comprehensibly: Storing assumptions, decisions, and results in a way that allows other team members to build upon them.
• Learning in the workshop and on the test bench: Understanding how a calculation becomes a real component and what feedback practice provides to the design.

You will be supported by our CTO and our prototype construction engineer. As your confidence grows, so can the autonomy of your tasks.

Qualifications

What you need

• You are studying Mechanical Engineering, Energy Technology, Physics, Mechatronics, or a comparable technical field.
• You understand technical and physical fundamentals and want to know why a solution works — not just what result a tool outputs.
• You have initial practical experience in at least one area: CAD/Design, technical calculation/Python, or experiment/measurement data. University projects, Formula Student, internships, vocational training, or personal projects explicitly count.
• You work diligently and can comprehensibly document assumptions, calculation paths, and decisions.
• You accept feedback, ask questions when things are unclear, and communicate early if a commitment or deadline is at risk.
• You want to use AI productively and are prepared to critically examine its results.
• You speak fluent German.
• You are enrolled during your employment and can reliably schedule at least 15 hours per week on-site in Stuttgart-Süd from November 2026.

This would be a plus

• Experience with Autodesk Inventor or comparable CAD software.
• Python and libraries such as NumPy, SymPy, CoolProp, or TesPy.
• Fundamentals in Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, or Refrigeration Technology.
• Initial exposure to experimental planning, measurement data evaluation, or systems engineering.
• Interest in compressors, heat pumps, pressure vessels, or sustainable energy technology.

You don't have to have all of these. It's more important to us that you show a solid foundation in one area and want to develop yourself in the others.

Benefits

• Real Product Development: Your work doesn't end with a presentation. Results can flow into CAD, prototypes, and test bench experiments.
• Personal Technical Review: You will work directly with our CTO and our prototype construction engineer and receive specific feedback on your work.
• Clear Learning Path: We start with a manageable development package and expand responsibilities according to your progress.
• AI-First Working Method: You will learn to use AI productively and responsibly in research, calculation, code, and documentation.
• Short Communication Lines: In our small team, you will see technical decisions, the workshop, and company building up close.
• Flexibility with Commitment: Minimum of 15 hours per week; we plan work and exam periods together in advance. As you will be working on real components, test benches, and experiments, the activity takes place on-site in Stuttgart-Süd.

Framework Data

Location: Stuttgart-Süd.

Work Model: Working student position, minimum 15 hours per week.

Compensation: €14 – €19 per hour, depending on prior knowledge and relevant experience.

Start: From November 2026.

Duration: Initially for one semester, with an option for extension.

Interested?

Send us your CV and tell us briefly about a technical project you have worked on yourself. This could be from your studies, Formula Student, an internship, vocational training, or a personal project. We are interested in:

1. What was the technical problem?

2. What was your personal contribution?

3. How did you proceed, and what would you do differently today?

Please also state:

• when you can start.
• how many hours you can realistically work per semester.
• on which days you can regularly be in Stuttgart.
• which exam period, thesis, or other commitment affects your availability.

A classic cover letter is not necessary. We want to understand how you think, learn, and work.