Embedded System Engineer @ Vertical Future Full Time

Vertical Future is a market leading Vertical Farming technology and research and development Company, founded in 2016, and based in London. We design, build, and license high-tech hardware and software solutions. We also own and operate vertical farms and conduct research and development activities across a growing programme of research.

Vertical farming is about far more than just growing crops. Our goal is to improve population health through building a better, more efficient, data-driven food system. That’s why we’re committed to continue developing pioneering technologies to inspire smarter farming.

We are looking for a diligent and upbeat Embedded System Engineer to join the team based in London; who will support the rollout of our national and international projects, and further development of our technologies and production methods.

The candidate:

Working within the company’s Engineering Team, the Embedded System Engineer will be involved in the development and rollout of new technologies to further enhance the company’s offering. The role will focus on delivering critical in-house solutions for the control, management, and safe operation of all automation and embedded systems, into a centralised framework.

The candidate will work very closely with and under the supervision of the existing Embedded System Engineer, reporting to the COO, to assist in implementing designs, and completing hands-on tasks that ensure the correct functionality of all systems. Other aspects of the role include: building prototypes and testing of electronics; understanding electronics circuit diagrams and ensuring correct implementation; working on programming for microcontrollers and complete practical engineering duties such as crimping and wiring, soldering. A large portion of the work will rely on practical implementation of designs and functional improvements to optimise the safe, effective control and operation of all embedded systems.

This is a fast-paced environment where you will be given a great deal of freedom to be creative -both on-site and at deployed sites as the company continues to grow, meaning that there will also

be opportunities to travel as we roll out our systems.

Our requirements:

Our ideal candidate will possess the following:

• 4+ years of relevant experience;
• Demonstrable talent in applied engineering and has relevant qualifications;
• Substantial experience in building prototypes and testing of electronics;
• Confident and skilled with electronics circuit diagrams;
• Familiar with practical engineering duties;
• Solid experience in programming (Python programming on Linux and C programming on microcontrollers – preferred; familiar with vi or emacs editor is added advantage);
• Notable understanding of networking concepts and messaging libraries: TCP/IP, HTTP, TLS, WebSockets, ZeroMQ;
• Strong understanding of communication systems: RS232, RS485 and Ethernet;
• Advanced user of popular CAD software for schematic capture and PCB layout;
• Eager to roll up sleeves and get involved with assisting the team in all areas including prototyping, troubleshooting and other, as necessary;
• Extensive experience in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite and able user of IT systems and other communication tools;
• Familiarity with rules, regulations, best practices and performance standards;
• Clear understanding of the regulatory environment in which the business operates;
• Conversant with basic computer vision principles and image capture; control of electromechanical systems; experience in software integration with 3rd-party vendor SDKs; and understanding of IoT software architectures and an interest in sustainability would be beneficial.

Key attributes

• Great communication skills (both oral and written; able to communicate with colleagues at all levels with ease);
• Excellent relationship-building skills. Team player with the ability to work well with internal colleagues, and business clients cooperatively and efficiently;
• The ability to work successfully as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Robust organisational capabilities with exceptional attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines;
• Self-starter who can work in high pressure environments (a flexible approach to work is essential);
• Strong professional work ethic;
• Willingness to travel (UK only for time being);
• Fluency in English is mandatory; a second, third or fourth language is a bonus.

Benefits:

• Become part of a dedicated friendly and growing team
• Positive and supportive environment
• 25 days of leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Share options after 1 year of service
• Flexible working hours and location
• Access to collaborative workspace across London
• Exposure to an innovative and developing industry
• Access to training resources, a mentoring programme, a developing employee assistance programme and many more benefits!