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- Tasks: Develop and deploy AI for high-tech greenhouses, optimizing crop yields and resource use.
- Company: Join Optimal, a cutting-edge startup transforming agriculture with AI technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £140k, equity options, and the chance to impact global food systems.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team tackling climate change and enhancing food security.
- Qualifications: Strong background in modeling, simulation, control systems, and software engineering (Python).
- Other info: Opportunity to work with top-tier partners and access 75% of the world's greenhouses.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 196000 £ per year.
About Optimal
Optimal is building AI agents to control the world’s most critical infrastructure – from factories, to datacenters, and starting with high-tech greenhouses.
We are backed by the Director of AI Research at Google DeepMind as well as early VCs in SpaceX, Anduril, and Palantir.
We have built the world’s most advanced AI control for high-tech greenhouses and have proven breakthrough performance in our own large-scale facility.
High-tech greenhouses are key to our agricultural future – for improving human nutrition and securing our food system against climate change and geopolitical instability. But the shortage of skilled human operators causes existing greenhouses to underperform and prevents new greenhouses being built.
Our AI increases the profits of individual greenhouses by >$1M/year, increases yields, reduces energy and water usage, and unlocks global greenhouse expansion. There are 8,000 high-tech greenhouses in the world today giving Optimal an opportunity to create >$8B/year of productivity gains. And by overcoming the shortage of skilled operators, we enable the rapid deployment of new greenhouses outside cities across the world.
Your role
As an AI Simulation and Control Engineer, you will have direct responsibility for the development and deployment of Optimal\’s AI at the most advanced greenhouses in the world.
We have just signed our first customers in North America and Europe. And we have signed integration partnerships allowing us to access 75% of the world’s greenhouses.
You will play a critical role in delivering AI to these greenhouses.
This role is aimed at an ambitious engineer who is looking to play a fundamental role in delivering AI product at a fast growing startup.
Your first 90 days:
- Visit a high-tech greenhouse to understand crops, hardware, and the underlying physical/biological processes.
- Adapt Optimal’s state-of-the-art simulation models to the greenhouse of a new customer and train the models on proprietary data from that greenhouse.
- Integrate the simulation models into Optimal’s AI control framework, taking real time control of all of the greenhouse actuators.
- Monitor, review and continuously improve the performance of Optimal’s AI to maximise crop yields and minimise resource consumption, working closely with our agronomy experts.
Technical skills
- Modelling & Simulation: ML-based and/or differential equation-based.
- Control: Optimal control, Model Predictive Control, Reinforcement learning.
- Software engineering: Python (Julia is a bonus).
- AI coding tools: Familiarity with Copilot, Cursor, etc.
AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £140k + equity) employer: Optimal Agriculture
Contact Detail:
Optimal Agriculture Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £140k + equity)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in AI simulation and control technologies. Understanding the specific tools and methodologies used in high-tech greenhouses will give you an edge during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural technology sector. Engaging with experts can provide insights into industry challenges and trends, which will be valuable when discussing how your skills can contribute to Optimal's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-world applications of your previous projects related to modeling, simulation, or control systems. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to adapt and implement solutions in a fast-paced startup environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest research and developments in AI and machine learning, particularly in relation to agriculture. Showing that you are proactive about learning and applying new knowledge will resonate well with our innovative culture at Optimal.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £140k + equity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company and Role: Dive deep into Optimal's mission and the specifics of the AI Simulation and Control Engineer role. Familiarize yourself with their technology, especially in relation to high-tech greenhouses, to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your experience in modeling, simulation, and control systems. Be specific about projects where you've used ML-based methods or reinforcement learning, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in Python and any experience with Julia. Mention any familiarity with AI coding tools like Copilot or Cursor, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the technical demands of the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarizes your qualifications but also expresses your passion for AI and its application in agriculture. Make sure to connect your personal goals with Optimal's mission to enhance food systems.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimal Agriculture
✨Show Your Passion for AI and Agriculture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for both artificial intelligence and its application in agriculture. Discuss how you see AI transforming the agricultural landscape, especially in high-tech greenhouses, and share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with modeling and simulation, particularly in ML-based or differential equation-based approaches. Highlight your knowledge of control systems like Model Predictive Control and Reinforcement Learning, and be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects.
✨Understand the Business Impact
Research Optimal's business model and the economic impact of their AI solutions on greenhouse operations. Be ready to discuss how your role as an AI Simulation and Control Engineer can contribute to increasing profits and improving resource efficiency for customers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Optimal's technology, future projects, and company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about their partnerships and how they plan to scale their solutions globally.
