Software/ Hardware Product Owner

Darwin Recruitment; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Software Product Owner to enhance the release process for software-heavy engineering environments that blend embedded systems and hardware integration. You will work closely with software, embedded, and hardware teams and external partners to ensure releases are clear, validated, and deployment-ready.

The role emphasizes release ownership, cross-functional alignment, and practical delivery, rather than broad product strategy or software architecture.

Qualifications

• Technical background in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline.
• Experience coordinating complex software releases across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of software integration, validation, testing, and release management processes.
• Ability to identify and communicate technical risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Structured, pragmatic, and organised approach to delivery and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Improve the structure, coordination, and reliability of the software release process.
• Coordinate with software engineers, embedded teams, hardware engineers, and external development partners.
• Provide visibility into release readiness, risks, dependencies, and delivery progress; ensure releases are integrated, validated, and ready for deployment.

Skills

Software release management

Embedded systems

Stakeholder management

Release coordination

Testing and validation

Communication skills

Problem solving

Job description

Job title:

Software Product Owner

Location:

Amsterdam Area, Netherlands

Industry:

Advanced Technology / Engineering Software / Embedded Systems / Security-Critical Technology

Overview of the role:

We are working with an innovative European technology company that develops sophisticated sensing and measurement solutions for use in demanding operational environments. Their products combine software, embedded systems, electronics, and precision hardware, supporting customers across sectors including security, defence, industrial technology, and critical infrastructure.

As part of their continued growth, they are looking to hire a Software Product Owner to improve the structure, coordination, and reliability of their software release process. This is a hands-on delivery and coordination role focused on ensuring that software requirements are clear, releases are properly integrated, validated, and ready for deployment in real-world environments.

Working closely with software engineers, embedded teams, hardware engineers, and external development partners, you will provide visibility into release readiness, risks, dependencies, and delivery progress. The role is focused on release ownership and cross-functional alignment, rather than product strategy or software architecture.

Candidate Profile Essential:

• Technical background in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience working in software-intensive engineering environments involving embedded systems and/or hardware integration.
• Proven experience coordinating complex software releases across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of software integration, validation, testing, and release management processes.
• Ability to identify and communicate technical risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Structured, pragmatic, and organised approach to delivery and problem solving.

Required / Highly Preferred:

• Experience working with embedded software, firmware, and hardware/software integration.
• Background in multidisciplinary engineering or R&D environments.
• Experience coordinating with external software development suppliers or partners.
• Ability to engage confidently with software and systems engineering teams and assess delivery readiness.
• Experience in environments where quality, reliability, and operational performance are critical.

Beneficial:

• Experience within defence, security, aerospace, industrial automation, instrumentation, or other regulated technology sectors.
• Familiarity with complex embedded platforms or integrated hardware/software products.
• Exposure to security-screened, compliance-driven, or mission-critical project environments.
• Experience supporting releases for field-deployed operational systems.