R&D Manager

About ARTIC   ARTIC Technologies is a young, dynamic company developing advanced microscale fluid control solutions inspired by nature. Our first focus is to enable scientists to create better models for preclinical drug testing by offering a user-friendly platform for cell culture. This platform makes cell culture models more human‑representative and increases reproducibility, without compromising ease of use, thus saving time and cost in drug development and ultimately reducing animal tests.
Spun‑off from Eindhoven University of Technology, we use Magnetic Artificial Cilia (MAC) technology to move and control fluids with high precision. These tiny, nature‑inspired hairs enable gentle, contactless fluid flow, which is ideal for complex in‑vitro models.
We believe advanced technologies can contribute to a world where both human and the planet thrive. That is why we are dedicated to transforming disruptive fluid manipulation technologies from the lab into real‑world solutions—starting in life sciences and eventually expanding into other sectors.
Why this role matters   We are currently in the early stages of developing our dynamic and scalable cell culture platform, which consists of an array of tiny magnetic hairs (MAC), a microfluidic plate (MAC plate), and a magnetic actuation system (MACnet). First prototypes and functional tests with cells have given us insights on what is possible and where more R&D is needed.
As ARTIC grows from prototype development into industrial product development and customer pilots, we are looking for a Technical Program & Product Development Lead who can bridge technology, product development, manufacturing, and team coordination.
Tasks    Coordinate and manage day‑to‑day technical activities within the R&D team.
Help define development roadmaps, milestones and technical priorities together with the CTO.
Guide engineers in selecting appropriate development methods and validation strategies.
Review prototypes and technical concepts together with the R&D team.
Act as a technical bridge between the MAC plate and MACnet actuation system.
Support the transition from exploratory prototypes towards industrially manufacturable products.
Coordinate communication with industrial suppliers and development partners.
Improve internal communication and documentation structures within R&D.
Track timelines, technical risks and deliverables across projects.
What success would look like    Well‑coordinated technical development activities across the R&D team.
Improved communication and alignment between engineers, suppliers, and management.
Efficient prototype development with reduced technical bottlenecks.
Successful translation of prototypes into scalable industrial designs.
A structured and collaborative R&D culture.
Required qualifications    MSc, PhD, University BSc or HBO degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, mechatronics, product development or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, technical project management (in an industrial setting) or industrial R&D.
Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Experience with industrial manufacturing and supplier collaboration is strongly preferred.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to structure complex technical projects and coordinate multiple parallel activities.
Comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment with evolving priorities.
Fluency in English.
What fits our startup culture well?
Passionate about working for an impact‑driven startup company.
Proactive and takes ownership.
Enjoys coordinating people and technology.
Can balance technical depth with pragmatism.
Comfortable communicating with both engineers and industrial partners.
Enjoys helping teams work more efficiently together.
Benefits    Salary: to be discussed. A ZZP position is also possible (in consultation).
Number of holidays (for full‑time): 25 (on top of official Dutch holidays).
Flexible working hours and arrangements.
Professional growth opportunities and training budget.
Working in one of Europe’s leading tech innovation regions (Brainport Eindhoven).
A small and ambitious impact‑driven team, with team events to unwind and get to know each other better on a personal level.
Cutting‑edge lab equipment and close collaboration with industrial partners.
Good coffee/tea guaranteed.
And all colleagues sing for you on your birthday! ;)
Position details    Part‑time position (16–24 hours/week). It will start with a 7‑month contract, with intended extension, as well as (gradual) increase in hours up to a full time position (40 hours), when both sides experience a good match.

Location:

Eindhoven, The Netherlands, including occasional travel abroad.
Combination of office, lab and partner interactions.
Expected start date:
To be discussed.

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