We're building the world's largest hydration platform to replace a $1.5 trillion industry controlled by Coca-Cola and Pepsi — companies selling sugar water in plastic. Their model is stuck in the past. We're changing that, from the workplace.
In 2025: #2 fastest growing tech company in the Netherlands (Deloitte Fast50). #30 fastest growing in Europe (Sifted250). We're an AI-native company — AI is how we build, not an afterthought.
We’re looking for a Senior Hardware Engineering Manager to own the execution of the full development of our hardware products — from concept through engineering, industrialization, and production. You’ll lead the engineering teams that build our hardware: connected water dispensers, touchscreen interfaces, IoT systems, and next-generation devices.
You report to the Head of Physical Product and work within a product-led structure. The best version of this role is someone who sees that as an advantage — engineering credibility earned through great execution, not org chart position. You work closely with Product Management, Project Management, Operations, and Supply Chain. This is a hands-on technical leadership role — you're not just managing engineers, you're accountable for what they ship.
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Lead the three engineering pillars: Hardware Engineering, Embedded Software Engineering, and Process Development & Industrialization
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Own the technical execution of the product roadmap — translate product requirements into engineered, manufactured products
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Drive design-for-manufacturing decisions: material selection, tolerances, cost targets, production scalability
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Manage the full NPI process from prototype to production release
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Build and develop a high-performing engineering team — hire, coach, set standards
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Bridge product management and engineering — translate “what and why” into “how and when”
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Manage external engineering partners, contract manufacturers, and technical vendors
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Establish and improve engineering processes: ways of working, design reviews, testing protocols, documentation
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8-10 years of overall experience in roles related to product development or engineering
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5+ years in leadership positions, ideally in connected hardware / IoT
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Track record of taking embedded hardware products from concept through to mass production
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Deep understanding of hardware engineering, embedded systems, and industrialization processes
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Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, embedded software)
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Fluent in DFM, DFA, and NPI processes — you’ve worked with contract manufacturers and know what it takes to scale
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Comfortable operating in a fast-moving scale-up environment where priorities shift and speed matters
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Strong communicator who can translate complex technical trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders
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Based in the Netherlands or willing to relocate — this role requires regular on-site presence
Bonus Points:
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Experience in water treatment, beverage dispensing, or food-safe appliance design
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Background in connected consumer hardware (touchscreens, NFC, telemetry)
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Worked in a company that bridged B2B hardware with consumer-facing experiences
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Familiarity with CE/UL certification processes
A benchmarked salary in line with your level of experience
Travel compensation >10km
Equity through our Aquablu for All plan – because everyone shares in what we’re building
26 paid vacation days
Pension Plan by Zwitserleven
- ️ Quarterly team events at our HQ in Amsterdam (Houthavens)
Unlimited Aquablu (of course)
Curious about our story & culture? Check our documentaries on Youtube!
