Application Test Engineer

Quick Facts

• Hands-on Application Test Engineer position on-site at an Application and Technology Center in Sarstedt
• Application testing for internal and external customers, including lab and pilot-scale work
• Shift, weekend, and on-call duties may be required; limited travel to other test sites possible

Description

You will plan, execute, and evaluate application tests at the GEA Application and Technology Center Sarstedt for internal and external customers. The role includes hands-on lab and pilot plant activities—covering microorganism/cell culture work, operation and maintenance of pilot equipment, and communication of results. You will collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to translate process requirements into test plans and actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, and evaluate application tests for internal and external customers
• Collaborate with customers and internal contacts to understand process requirements, define test plans, and communicate results and recommendations
• Carry out lab and analysis work, including cultivation of microorganisms and cell cultures, plus sampling and analysis across test phases
• Prepare, operate, and maintain pilot plants, including cleaning and sterilization processes and mechanical tasks (hose connections, filter and impeller changes)
• Operate process technologies such as sterile tanks, bioreactors/fermenters, UHT plants, homogenizers, separators, filtration systems, and spray dryers according to customer and process needs
• Document and present testing results and insights; contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, processes, and application solutions

Requirements

• Degree in a technical or natural science field (e.g., biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, food technology, process engineering), ideally with a focus on biotechnology or bioprocess engineering
• Practical experience with experimental work at lab or pilot scale, ideally in biotechnology, food, pharma, or a comparable environment
• Knowledge of handling microorganisms or cell cultures, including genetically modified microorganisms, and common analytical methods for microbiology/biotechnology/food technology
• Practical experience with at least one relevant process technology (e.g., bioreactors/fermenters, UHT, homogenization, separation, filtration, spray drying)
• Very good German and good English (written and spoken) and strong communication skills with customers and international teams
• Curiosity for experimentation, analytical and solution-oriented mindset, self-initiative, and willingness to work actively in a practice-oriented pilot plant environment

Benefits

• Attractive compensation according to the Metal and Electrical Industry collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation
• Individual training and development opportunities
• JobRad and Deutschlandticket; Hansefit
• Company pension plan
• Comprehensive health management