Lead Engineer Stack

Aquabattery; Alphen aan den Rijn; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)

25 vacation days

Green pension scheme

Company bike for commuting

Flexible working arrangements

Health insurance

Job summary

AQUABATTERY is a climate-tech startup in the Netherlands seeking a Lead Engineer Stack to own the technical roadmap for membrane stack development and translate it into manufacturing-ready outcomes. You will define milestones, identify tooling and partners, and connect stack progress to internal requirements in a high-skill, cross-functional team.

You will create CAD drawings and production-ready blueprints, manage supplier relationships, and ensure on-time delivery within cost constraints while

Qualifications

• Master level degree in Physics or Engineering fields with 5+ years industry experience.
• Proven experience in multi-layer product assemblies and supply chain involvement.
• Proficiency in system-level CAD and production-ready documentation from concept to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the technical roadmap for the stack track across projects.
• Identify and qualify manufacturing partners and suppliers for stack components.
• Develop and manage supply chain relationships for stack components.
• Create system-level CAD drawings including P&ID, 3D models and blueprints.
• Translate R&D progress into buildable deliverables meeting project requirements.
• Distribute activities to achieve milestones within time, budget, and quality.

Skills

System-level CAD

P&ID

3D modelling

Production-ready documentation

R&D milestone management

Team alignment and leadership

Documentation & technical comms

Education

Master in Physics

Master in Mechanical Engineering

Master in Civil Engineering

Tools

CAD software

P&ID software

2D/3D drawing tools

Job description

AQUABATTERY is a climate-tech start-up, based in the Netherlands. Our vision is to empower the transition to net-zero by providing the world’s most scalable, sustainable and safe long duration energy storage solution. We do so through our revolutionary technology, which enables the storage of electricity in just saltwater. The world will need high volumes of energy storage to enable reliance on renewable energy sources like solar PV and wind energy, even if the sun does not shine or the wind does not blow. Our technology has been successfully demonstrated through several pilot installations in the Netherlands and in Italy. Our international team reinforces our impact-focused culture every day; taking on challenges and celebrating successes together. If you are excited to know more, check out our open positions to join the ride!

Join AQUABATTERY today, a pioneering climate tech startup with a mission to commercialise a affordable, safe and sustainable long duration energy storage (LDES) based on saltwater. Our innovative flow battery technology offers an LDES solution without relying on critical or toxic raw materials.

With fresh funding secured and our first commercial product on the horizon, this is an exciting time to become part of our growing team and contribute to building a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

As theLead Engineer Stack, you bring specific hands-on experience in stack development to AQUABATTERY and translate it into manufacturing-ready outcomes. You own the technical roadmap for the membrane stack, create focus on concrete deliverables, and connect stack development to internal requirements. Your value lies in generating technical drawings of the membrane stacks and battery system, knowing what has already been solved in industry, finding the right manufacturing partners and components within our cost constraints, and giving the team the structure and direction it needs to deliver.

What you’ll be doing

• Define and maintain the technical roadmap for the stack track across all projects, translating requirements into concrete, deliverable-focused milestones
• Identify and qualify manufacturing partners and suppliers capable of delivering stack components, including multi-polymer systems and complex assemblies, within defined budget and cost targets
• Develop and manage supply chain relationships for stack components, prioritising manufacturing-ready solutions over custom development
• Create system-level CAD drawings from concepts and requirements, including P&ID, 3D models, and production-ready blueprints, at component, stack, and full system level
• Translate technical outcomes and R&D progress into specific, buildable deliverables that meet project requirements
• Distribute activities across projects to ensure milestones are achieved within delivery time, budget, and quality requirements
• Maintain comprehensive progress tracking and ensure visibility of the track’s status to internal stakeholders
• Proactively identify and raise technical risks before they impact project delivery
• Ensure technical documentation, design files, and test records are maintained to a high standard

Requirements

• Master inPhysics, Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering with 5+ years industry experience
• Proven experience in development of multi-layer product assemblies
• Supply chain experience: identifying, qualifying, and managing manufacturing partners for complex precision components
• Proficiency in system-level CAD: P&ID, 3D modelling, and production-ready documentation, from early concept through to manufacturing blueprint
• Experience in water processing, water treatment, or adjacent fluid-handling industries
• Ability to translate complex technical and manufacturing constraints into a structured, prioritised roadmap
• Proven track record of creating team focus and connecting technical outputs to specific, deliverable outcomes
• Experience working in a milestone-driven R&D or product development environment
• Strong documentation and technical communication skills
• Experience in energy storage, electrochemistry, or membrane technology is a strong advantage

Why AQUABATTERY?

• The opportunity to provide vital support to the energy transition at our state-of-the-art ETCA facility
• A collaborative, multicultural work environment where practical observations and technical insights are valued
• A structured, performance-driven culture that supports professional growth and technical skill development
• Competitive salary plus Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
• Work-life balance, including 25 vacation days and flexible working arrangements
• Green pension scheme (50% employer contribution) and collective health insurance discount
• Company bike for commuting
• Regular team events and opportunities to shape the future of clean energy