Key Skills

Job Description

Mechanical Engineering Internship: Product Optimization Help improve the future of self serve smoothies At De Smoothiemachine we build fully automated smoothie bars that serve fresh blends in less than a minute. We combine real ingredients with smart hardware and software. As a mechanical engineering intern you help us improve and optimize the machine behind our smoothie concept. You join a small, hands on team and work directly with the founders. You work on real machines in the field and in our workshop. Your work has direct impact on reliability, performance and the experience of our users. Since the launch in May our machines are live at more than 35 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium. You find us at Jumbo, Spar, Shell, Albert HeijnAmaze, Carrefour and other retailers. We will launch soon at Albert Heijn and Pathé. We are growing and look for someone who wants to help build the next version of our machines. About us De Smoothiemachine is a fully automated smoothie bar powered by real frozen ingredients. Each cup is filled with frozen fruit, vegetables, protein or iced coffee. The QR code on each cup tells the machine what to blend for a fresh drink in under a minute. What you will be doing · Support design improvements for mechanical parts and assemblies · Help analyze failures and translate findings into design or process changes · Prepare and run tests on components and complete machines · Support suppliers and manufacturing partners with technical questions · Visit customer locations to see machines in action and learn from real life usage You are · A bachelor or master student in Mechanical Engineering or similar · Strong in analytical thinking and structured problem solving · Comfortable with hands on work on hardware and test setups · Familiar with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Inventor or similar · Interested in mechatronic systems, foodtech or vending concepts · Precise, responsible and able to work independently in a small team Nice to have · Experience with FEA or basic strength and stiffness calculations · Experience with rapid prototyping, 3D printing or workshop tools · Affinity with sensors, actuators or simple control systems What you will learn · How to improve a complex product that is already in the field · How to translate user and service feedback into technical requirements · How to test, measure and validate design changes · How a hardware startup in foodtech develops, builds and scales machines Practical info Our office and workshop are in The Hague. Some flexibility in working from home is possible, but you spend a good part of your time near the machines. Internship duration minimum 3 months. Dutch is not required and international students are welcome. Interested? Send your CV and a short motivation to [email protected] Blended with care, Team Smoothiemachine

Core Responsibilities

You will support the design, optimization, and testing of automated smoothie machine components and assemblies. Additionally, you will analyze mechanical failures and collaborate with suppliers to ensure machine reliability in the field.

Requirements

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a bachelor or master program in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software and a hands-on approach to hardware and testing are essential for this role.