Senior Hardware Engineering Manager

About the role

🌊 Who are we? 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. About the role 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. What you'll own Lead the three engineering pillars: Hardware Engineering, Embedded Software Engineering, and Process Development & Industrialization Own the technical execution of the product roadmap - translate product requirements into engineered, manufactured products Drive design-for-manufacturing decisions: material selection, tolerances, cost targets, production scalability Manage the full NPI process from prototype to production release Build and develop a high-performing engineering team - hire, coach, set standards Bridge product management and engineering - translate "what and why" into "how and when" Manage external engineering partners, contract manufacturers, and technical vendors Establish and improve engineering processes: ways of working, design reviews, testing protocols, documentation About you 8-10 years of overall experience in roles related to product development or engineering 5+ years in leadership positions, ideally in connected hardware / IoT Track record of taking embedded hardware products from concept through to mass production Deep understanding of hardware engineering, embedded systems, and industrialization processes Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, embedded software) Fluent in DFM, DFA, and NPI processes - you've worked with contract manufacturers and know what it takes to scale Comfortable operating in a fast-moving scale-up environment where priorities shift and speed matters Strong communicator who can translate complex technical trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders Based in the Netherlands or willing to relocate - this role requires regular on-site presence Bonus Points: Experience in water treatment, beverage dispensing, or food-safe appliance design Background in connected consumer hardware (touchscreens, NFC, telemetry) Worked in a company that bridged B2B hardware with consumer-facing experiences Familiarity with CE/UL certification processes Why Aquablu? 💰 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 !

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