Product Development Manager
Aquablu
Job Description
Job description
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.
About Aquablu
Aquablu is building a hydration platform to replace an industry centered on sugary drinks in plastic. The company is changing that from the workplace.
In 2025: #2 fastest growing tech company in the Netherlands (Deloitte Fast50). #30 fastest growing in Europe (Sifted250). Aquablu is an AI‑native company — AI is how it builds, not an afterthought.
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
- 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)