Controls Systems Engineer @ Growpura Full Time

 The opportunity

GrowPura is a forward-thinking, innovative UK-based company in the field of vertical farming.  A market-leader and specialist in hydronics with ambitious growth plans not just in the UK but across the world with its cutting-edge technology and revolutionary systems.  We are building a new generation of vertical hydroponics systems for use in multiple sectors (food & non-food) to address the growing need for sustainable and innovative growing solutions around the world. Our patented technology uses moving systems as a core part of its design philosophy to create production flexibility and to simplify infrastructure requirements (irrigation, lighting, etc’).

 The role 

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Controls Engineer will be part of a team leading the ongoing development of the company’s intellectual property in moving technology. This will include such requirements as:

• Identification of opportunities to improve design and efficiency outcomes with a close eye on cost.
• Developing simulation models of proposed facilities to analyse operational dynamics.
• Framing systems problems using MBSE/SysML or similar frameworks and lead the business in their application.
• Identifying sensing requirements for different growing environments.
• Build plant growth models via data captured in our growing facilities.
• Develop plant growth optimisation and customisation in conjunction with other members of the team.
• Ongoing development of the control philosophy for the moving system
• Continued development of the Company’s technical offering
• Primarily you will have no direct reports, however this may change as the business develops.

The location

 GrowPura works out of two main sites in Bedfordshire, one at Colworth House in Sharnbrook, and the other in Marston Moretaine.  You will be expected to work on site at these locations for at least 4 days out of 5.

Some UK travel will be required primarily, and you may also be required to travel Internationally, so must have a full and valid passport.

The person 

The candidate will be required to work effectively as part of a growing team as well as manage relationships with external simulation, modelling, and engineering partners. Customer interaction will be required however the majority of the work is not anticipated to be customer facing.

The candidate will be expected to provide leadership and advice to the executive team in the prioritising of these and other requirements.

 Personal Skills and Qualities

The successful candidate will most probably hold a postgraduate level degree in operations research, machine learning, or an engineering discipline which demonstrates an understanding of control theory, as well as the above subject areas. A strong showing in applied statistics and a deep understanding of regression modelling would be well received. MIMO, PLC, and SCADA knowledge essential.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate at least 5 years in a similar role as well as successful execution of similar projects.

There is fantastic potential to grow and develop this role as the business grows, with this opportunity ultimately being down to what you make of it.

 How to apply

Please email your CV together with a covering letter to [email protected]

We endeavour to contact all candidates however, owing to high volumes of applications, we may not be able to contact all candidates. If you do not hear from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

All information you send to us will be kept in line with current data protection requirements. GrowPura is committed to equality and values diversity in our team.  We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Should your application be successful, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to live and work in the UK.

We reserve the right to close this job vacancy when we feel we have found a suitable candidate.  We look forward to receiving your application.