About the roleAt Futurewave, we bring strategy, design, engineering and tech together to help ambitious companies launch innovative products. To reinforce our engineering capability and prepare for our next phase of growth, we're looking for an Engineering Lead to take full ownership of how engineering is executed across projects and squads.This role blends hands-on execution with strategic leadership: initially, you'll be directly involved in delivering engineering missions. Over time, your influence will expand as we grow the engineering pipeline, the supplier network and the internal team.You will act as the technical reference, quality gatekeeper and process owner for all engineering activities. Ensuring we deliver with rigor, clarity and excellence. You'll also play a key role in representing Futurewave's engineering capability externally, building credibility with clients, partners and the broader ecosystem.
Mission of the roleTo ensure the smooth execution of engineering missions across Futurewave and safeguard technical quality, process discipline, and supplier alignment—from day one to production.
Why this role exists:Without this role, Futurewave would lack:A leader to own engineering quality and deliveryA connector between product strategy, design intent, and manufacturabilityA builder of repeatable, high-performing engineering processesA trusted reference to scale engineering operations with confidenceA public-facing advocate for our engineering credibility and thought leadership
Key responsibilities
Engineering execution & qualityLead the engineering scope on active client missionsDeliver robust technical solutions on time and within scopeMonitor and elevate quality across deliverables and reviews
Supplier coordination & Product interfaceInterface with manufacturers, suppliers, and production partnersManage technical relationships and troubleshoot production ramp-up issues
Process & Capability buildingImprove internal engineering workflows and quality standardsOwn and evolve engineering templates, checklists, and review stepsContribute to the definition and deployment of scalable practices
Team leadership & GrowthAct as the engineering lead within cross-functional squadsSupport hiring, onboarding, and mentorship of future engineersRepresent engineering in cross-team governance and rituals
Thought leadership & VisibilityRepresent Futurewave's engineering expertise in client meetings and eventsContribute to building trust and attracting new clients through technical credibilityHelp position Futurewave as a studio that delivers with depth and precision
Tools & SystemsCAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor)ERP (Odoo)Project documentation, supplier management systems, DFM workflows
Key responsibilities success indicatorsClient satisfactionTechnical quality at deliveryTime-to-deliveryAdoption of improved processesCredibility of Futurewave's engineering offer in the market
What success looks like (6-12 months)You are recognized as the go-to person for engineering clarity and delivery. You've shaped how engineering is executed at Futurewave. Your credibility has helped attract new technical missions, and you've laid the foundation for a growing, high-performing engineering team. You are increasingly seen as a public-facing advocate of Futurewave's engineering capability, both internally and externally.
Profile & ExperienceMaster's degree in Engineering (mechanical, electromechanical, or related)7+ years of experience in manufacturing technologies (metal, plastics, electronics, etc.)Prior exposure to electromechanical product development in consulting, agency or product companyComfortable working at the interface of design, production, and client delivery
Mindset & SkillsHands-on and rigorous: you care about doing things well, not just fastStructured and proactive: you take ownership and bring clarity where neededBuilder of systems: you enjoy improving the way things are doneStrong communicator with designers, project leads, and external partnersComfortable taking the stage as a representative of engineering excellence
LanguagesEnglish is requiredFrench and/or Dutch are strong assets
What we offerA pivotal role with real ownership and company-wide impactA collaborative environment where engineering sits at the heart of product thinkingThe opportunity to grow into a strategic leadership position, with strong autonomy and influenceThe possibility to evolve into a partner role if you help us grow in the right directionA fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with creative energy and meaningful workA flexible, open culture based in Zaventem