Product & Commercialization Manager, Drone cells

Job description

As Product & Commercialization Manager, Drone cells, you will play a key role in defining and orchestrating LeydenJar’s product offering towards drone battery cells for both military and non-military applications. You will lead customer engagements, setup strategic partnerships, are involved in setting up a cell manufacturing line and will represent LeydenJar towards the ecosystem. Your primary working locations are both in Eindhoven and Leiden. About LeydenJar High energy density is an urgent, unmet need across consumer electronics, mobility, and the wider electrification of industry. Yet the battery industry typically improves by only 3% per year. LeydenJar addresses this by tackling the energy density bottleneck: the anode. Our 100% silicon anode, regarded as the holy grail of the battery industry, enables up to 50% increase in energy density. We have demonstrated 500+ cycles without external pressure on multilayer pouch cells using our 100% silicon anode. We are now progressing into scaled-up production, with increasing customer traction, and our first anode factory PlantOne opening in 2026. Taking our cell technology from the laboratory into repeatable, qualified manufacturing is the next step. This role of Product & Commercialization Manager, Drone cells is central to that effort. What you can expect As Product & Commercialization Manager, Drone cells at LeydenJar, your mission is to do everything necessary to make our venture into drone cell manufacturing a success. You will work closely with our R&D team and with our customers to define a cell product that’s commercially attractive and technically feasible. You’ll lead the certification and commercial roll-out of these cells. In many cases this will include close engagements with new and existing customers. You will also engage actively with the ecosystem. This ranges from advising our clients on battery pack integration options, sitting down with Ministry of Defense representatives to discuss our roadmaps and aligning with internal stakeholders (production, QC, logistics, etc.) to ensure delivery. Finally, you will also play a significant role in our efforts to insource cell manufacturing. This includes support in scoping the line and drafting RFQs down to hiring operators and overseeing first production. You will report to LeydenJar’s Chief Growth Officer. Your responsibilities In one sentence: You make sure our drone cell offering will be a success Define a drone cell product and oversee first sample production Bring in launching customers & lead product marketing Ensure profitable operations through production cost modelling, spearheading cost-down initiatives and commercial pricing discussions Support set-up of LeydenJar’s first commercial cell production line About you : Technical background, as witnessed by a MSc or PhD in physics, chemistry, or a related field At least 3 years of working experience in a fast-paced and demanding environment Self-starting, in the sense that you’re comfortable taking your directions from high-level strategic imperatives and set your own targets from there. Able to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment with a great sense of urgency. You surface problems early rather than presenting them as surprises. Problem-solver mindset. You are equally willing to build the schedule and to stand on the factory floor when a contractor needs a decision. Clear communicator who can explain trade-offs, assumptions, and uncertainty to technical, commercial, and leadership audiences. Fluent in English. Working Dutch is an advantage for permits and contractor management Why LeydenJar? Our culture empowers our mission a the tech frontier, bonding more energy to bring you to new places. Grow & own – you take ownership of your work and develop your career in a supportive environment. Great benefits – pension plan, 25 vacation days, and travel reimbursement (€0.25/km or NS Business Card). Continuous learning – access to online learning platform and opportunities for professional growth. Diverse & inclusive – Join an international team where every voice matters. Strong community – Enjoy team events, lunches, and celebrations that bring us together. Do you want to take on the challenge as Product & Commercialization Manager, Drone cells? We are looking forward to your application! We aim to make our recruitment process as transparent and enjoyable as possible. Depending on the role, the process may include interviews, assessments, reference checks, and pre-employment screening. At LeydenJar we value diversity, and we provide equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy/childbirth, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, etc. If there are two or more applicants of equal suitability for a certain position, LeydenJar can under circumstances decide to select applicants based on positive discrimination in full compliance with all relevant and applicable law.