Working Student - Mechanical Engineering Simulation (m/w/d)

About us
We are ABSORA – a deep-green tech startup in Berlin whose technologies are rewriting the rules of the game for noise and vibration control. Our HSA3 material isn't just a promise for the future – it's a revolution in lightweight construction, acoustics, and filtration: light, incredibly strong, and acoustically brilliant, as it absorbs airborne sound and vibrations. It's also inexpensive to produce and extremely environmentally friendly. This protects health, the environment, and your peace of mind.
That makes it the ideal material to strengthen and make industry more sustainable worldwide. And that's where you come in.

Aufgaben

The role
You will support the development and validation of innovative acoustic and structural solutions through advanced FEM simulations, prototype development, and experimental work. The role combines hands-on engineering with demanding simulation tasks and offers direct collaboration with founders and engineers in a fast-moving deep-tech environment.
A strong balance between practical engineering and theoretical understanding is essential. You should be comfortable moving between CAD design, simulation environments, workshop activities, and technical analysis.
This role requires a very high degree of independence and self-organization. You will often work on open-ended engineering problems with limited predefined processes and are expected to take ownership of technical tasks from problem definition to implementation and evaluation.

What you'll do

• Create and run advanced FEM simulations using ANSYS Mechanical.

• Develop simulation models for structural, acoustic, and vibration-related applications.

• Perform nonlinear simulations including contact, plasticity, large deformation, and material nonlinearities.

• Conduct fracture mechanics investigations, including crack initiation and crack propagation analysis.

• Perform fatigue and lifetime analyses for structural components and material systems.

• Analyze and interpret simulation results and derive engineering recommendations.

• Design components, test specimens, and prototypes in SolidWorks.

• Manufacture and assemble prototypes and experimental test setups.

• Support validation testing and correlate experimental and simulation data.

• Document simulation methodologies, assumptions, and engineering findings.

• Collaborate closely with the engineering team on material and product development.

Qualifikation

What you bring with you

• Current enrollment in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related technical field.

• Strong knowledge of FEM, structural mechanics, and continuum mechanics fundamentals.

• Practical experience with ANSYS Mechanical and advanced simulation workflows.

• Experience with nonlinear simulations is required.

• Knowledge of fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, or durability simulations is highly desirable.

• Good working proficiency in SolidWorks for CAD design and technical drawings.

• Hands-on mentality and interest in prototype manufacturing and testing.

• Ability to work highly independently and take full ownership of technical tasks.

• Structured engineering thinking and analytical problem-solving skills.

• Experience with vibration, acoustics, composite materials, lightweight structures, or material modeling is a plus.

• Valid matriculation certificate is required for the Werkstudent contract under German law.

Application requirement
Please include references to previously conducted simulations, technical projects, or engineering analyses in your application. Applications without concrete examples of FEM or engineering simulation work will not be considered.
Languages
German — required
English — required

Benefits

The setup
20 hours/week during semester, up to 40 hours/week during semester breaks.

The position is primarily on site in 12526 Berlin (Treptow-Köpenick). Hybrid work can be arranged later by agreement.

Compensation: competitive Werkstudent rate, based on experience and technical background.

Start date: as soon as possible

Academic opportunities
The topics and projects within this role can provide a strong foundation for future student research projects, bachelor theses, or master theses. Possible thesis opportunities will be evaluated individually based on project requirements, technical fit, and academic alignment.