Product Design Engineer intern (InnoNext)

Internship dates: ASAP - 31 July 2026

This internship is sponsored by the InnoNext talent initiative for students or graduates affiliated with one of the EU programmes included in the initiative (in an EU-funded project, part of EIT or EIC, and others). Please check full eligibility requirements before applying.

About Mimica

At Mimica, we’re developing an award-winning label, called Bump, that tells you exactly when food spoils, based on storage conditions. Our mission is to radically reduce unnecessary food waste caused by the current expiry date system. We have launched our first product, the Bump Cap, and are in the customer trialling stage of our Bump Tag product.

The role

Mimica is seeking a hands-on Product Design Engineer intern to support the development, testing and scale-up of our smart Tags and Labels. As a small but growing dynamic mission-focused company, this role involves working within he product team to help transition processes from lab-scale to pilot and commercial environments. You’ll be involved in prototyping, testing, manufacturing process development and continuous improvement, with full support, training and mentoring provided.

What you'll do

  • Support the team in transitioning manufacturing processes from lab scale to pilot and higher-volume commercial conditions

  • Assist with design, build and iteration of manufacturing fixtures, tools and equipment

  • Work closely with product development and chemistry teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, scalable and robust

  • Assist with material selection, component evaluation and end-of-life considerations in line with Mimica’s sustainability ethos

  • Conduct internal and external product testing to validate design and functional performance

  • Record test results clearly and help analyse data to inform design improvements

  • Identify quality, process or assembly challenges and support continuous improvement initiatives

  • Communicate effectively with an internationally based development team and external partners when required

  • Support documentation of processes, test methods and design changes as the product evolves

You

We’re looking for somebody passionate about sustainability, making a difference to food waste and who enjoys combining precision, creativity and problem-solving.

As one of our company values is diverse expertise, we embrace applicants from all walks of life.

Ideal for:

  • Students or graduates of Product Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Product Design, or similar technical discipline.

  • Anyone who enjoys hands on prototyping, testing and iterative improvement

  • Students who care about sustainability and want to be part of a tight-knit startup culture.

  • Those excited to work in a fast-paced startup environment where engineering decisions directly impact the product.

You should have:

  • Hands-on experience with mechanical prototyping, manufacturing/assembly and lab-based work 

  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality, accurate work

  • A practical, methodical approach to testing and iteration

  • Ability to follow written, verbal and visual instructions to specification

  • Good organisational and time-management skills

  • A proactive, problem-solving mindset and willingness to suggest improvements

  • Good level of spoken and written English to clearly communicate findings and progress

  • A responsible attitude towards health & safety in workshop or lab environments

Reward 

The innovation internship is financially supported based on your affiliation programme:

  • EIC Pathfinder researchers will be funded by the Pathfinder grant (plus a mobility allowance for 3 months maximum);

  • ERC researchers involved in funded projects will receive a flat monthly reimbursement by InnoNext for 3 months maximum.

  • EIT participants will receive a flat monthly reimbursement by InnoNext for 6 months maximum, subject to availability of funds

  • MSCA, HE Research Infrastructures and EIC Transition participants will be covered by their respective programmes, under specific agreement.

To learn more, read the InnoNext FAQs.

Other benefits include:

  • Self-managed (unlimited) paid time off policy

  • Flexible working options

  • Access to free therapy

  • Allocated personal development time

Location

This role is based at our production and R&D centre in Wrexham, North Wales, and you will be expected to work from this location for the duration of the internship, with potential travel to London to visit the rest of the team.

Apply

If we’ve made your brain itch, get in touch by sending your CV and cover letter to jobs@mimicalab.com. Please state which eligible programme you are affiliated with and eligibility to work in the UK.