Product Development Manager

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 Fast
50). #30 fastest growing in Europe (Sifted
250). We're an AI-native company — AI is how we build, not an afterthought.

About the role
We’re looking for a Product Development 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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