Product/Mechanical Designer Needed to Develop Manual Biodegradable Packaging Machine & Molds
Project Type: One-time project (with potential long-term collaboration)
Location: Remote - Preferably EU-based or in Netherlands time zone for convenience but not required.
Budget: Startup- funded , modest but fair. Please provide a realistic quote based on your experience and the project’s early-stage nature.
About the Project:
I’m launching a circular, sustainable packaging brand in the Netherlands. Sts is producing handcrafted, seaweed-based biodegradable alternatives to plastic straws, cutlery, cups, and food containers.
At this early concept development phase, I’m seeking a mechanical or product designer (not just a CAD technician) to help design a manual or semi-manual machine to form and dry these products at small scale (home workshop/garage level). The machine must be simple, ergonomic, low-energy, and scalable.
At first iw as in contact with CAD Developers but some made me aware that it would have been better to get a product designer or mechanical engineer first which is why i am here now. I do not have a timeline deadline but if i had to choose then it would be 1.5 months as i am a student so i need time to get the quote amount.
Legal & Ownership Terms:
- NDA + IP transfer agreement must be signed by both parties (already prepared).
- This is a paid, work-for-hire project so no equity or royalty share.
- You must not claim future IP rights or resale usage.
Scope of Work:
- Collaborate closely with me to:
- Interpret mockups and goals into a full product-to-machine workflow.
- Design the machine structure, mold system, and manual pressure mechanism.
- Integrate optional drying trays or mold plates.
- Suggest sustainable, low-cost, and fabricator-friendly materials.
- Design should support small-batch, low-energy, table-top production.
- Prioritize simplicity, reliability, and ease of replication by a manufacturer.
Deliverables:
- Concept-to-function design (manual press mechanism, mold setup, drying method).
- 2D technical drawings, exploded views, and dimensions.
- 3D model files (SolidWorks preferred; STL, STEP, or compatible for fabrication).
- Bill of Materials (BOM) with material recommendations.
- Assembly flow and user operation guide.
- Support for file handoff to manufacturer in Netherlands/EU and CAD developers
Ideal Experience:
- Background in product or machine design (especially low-tech/manual systems).
- Familiarity with biodegradable/food-safe materials (seaweed, PLA, PHA, cellulose).
- Past experience designing pressing, forming, or mold-based equipment is a plus.
- Able to work with sustainability and ergonomic constraints in mind.
- Collaborative, transparent, and committed to ethical design practices.
What I Already Have for You:
- Product mockups and sketches (for cutlery, straws, eco food boxes).
- STL files of each product to be molded.
- Materials selected for testing (seaweed + additives).
- Final machine requirements brief + sample design references.
- Manufacturer options & fabrication budget.
📄 Milestone-Based Workflow:
Milestone 1: Product-to-machine system layout Milestone 2: Mechanical design + functional 3D modeling Milestone 3: 2D fabrication drawings, video or both (this is up to you) Milestone 4: Bill of Materials + materials guide Milestone 5: Final documentation + manufacturing handoff
How to Apply:
Please send:
- A short intro + relevant past projects (especially if mold/machine-based)
- Your timeline, fixed quote or milestone breakdown
- Your take on what the biggest design consideration is for this type of machine
Note: This is an early-stage, bootstrapped business so please be reasonable in quoting. Your name will be added to the design files for acknowledgement if desired, but all rights and files must be transferred and signed before beginning this project or going any further to see the project overview. Attached is the NDA and IPT file. I hope to hear from you soon enough. I will also attach a question file for anything you made need to know and the project overview. With this, i hope that we can begin to work together and you must have already sent me the signed document before work can begin. The deadline for applications is the 10th-08-2025. If everything goes well after this project, if you know anyone or you have a cad developer skill, we can further work togethe ron anothe rprokect. I hope to hear your honest quotes soon.