Prototyping Specialist

We are looking for a hands-on Prototyping Engineer to lead Astradyne’s product development and physical validation activities. This role is the bridge between design and reality: you will own the build-and-test cycle of our lightweight foldable solar panels, iterating quickly from concept to validated prototype, and providing technical support as products transition into small-series production.

You will work closely with the design team and external partners to ensure that new designs are physically sound, testable, and ready to scale.

Gross annual salary (RAL): €26.000 – €35.000

Key responsibilities:

• Build, assemble, and test physical prototypes of lightweight foldable solar panels, including lamination, cell interconnection, and mechanical structures.
• Perform electrical testing and characterization of photovoltaic assemblies using tools such as multimeters, IV curve tracers, and custom test fixtures.
• Iterate rapidly on prototype designs in close collaboration with the design team, identifying failure modes and proposing practical improvements.
• Develop and document repeatable assembly and manufacturing procedures.
• Maintain organized and accurate technical records, including test reports, build logs, and bill of materials.
• Provide hands-on technical support during the transition to small-batch production, ensuring manufacturing quality matches prototype validation results.
• Contribute to DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews to ensure new designs are optimized for assembly and scale-up.

Essential qualifications:

• 2–5 years of experience in a prototyping, product development, or hands-on hardware role.
• Proven hands-on mindset with a track record of building and testing physical products or assemblies.
• Solid proficiency in 3D CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks) for design review and modelling.
• Good command of electrical testing instruments and measurement
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work methodically in a workshop/lab environment.
• Ability to work autonomously, iterate quickly, and communicate findings clearly to the team.
• Fluent in Italian and English (written and spoken), with the ability to communicate with international partners and read technical documentation in English.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Exposure to photovoltaic technologies, composite materials, or precision assembly processes.
• Experience developing test fixtures for physical assemblies.
• Interest in renewable energy, deep-tech, or space-related industries.

Benefits:

• High responsibility and visibility: Work directly with the founding team and contribute to both technical and strategic decisions from day one.
• Dynamic environment: Be part of a young, driven team where initiative, ownership, and learning are strongly encouraged.
• Purpose-driven work: Help develop technologies enabling sustainable energy solutions on Earth and in space.

About Astradyne:

Astradyne is an innovative and fast-growing startup at the forefront of photovoltaic energy systems, founded and based in Bari, Italy. We specialize in the design and manufacturing of lightweight, foldable solar panels for space applications.

Why Astradyne?

Working at Astradyne offers unique opportunities to:

• Accelerate your growth: Join a rapidly scaling deep-tech company where you’ll gain hands-on experience across hardware development, manufacturing, and R&D.
• Make an impact: Work directly with the founding team to turn cutting-edge designs into real, tangible products that power space missions.
• Be part of something bigger: Help build the production backbone of a company redefining how solar energy systems are designed, produced, and deployed.