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- Tasks: Develop and deploy AI for high-tech greenhouses, enhancing crop yields and resource efficiency.
- Company: Join Optimal, a cutting-edge startup transforming agriculture with AI technology backed by industry leaders.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £150k, equity options, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team tackling global food security and climate challenges through innovative AI solutions.
- Qualifications: Seeking ambitious engineers skilled in modeling, control systems, and software engineering, especially Python.
- Other info: Opportunity to visit advanced greenhouses and collaborate with agronomy experts for real-world impact.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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 £150k + 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 £150k + equity)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in AI control systems, particularly in agricultural applications. Understanding how AI can optimize greenhouse operations will give you a significant edge during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with online communities and forums focused on AI in agriculture and control systems. Networking with professionals in these spaces can provide insights and connections that may be beneficial when applying for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider visiting or volunteering at a local greenhouse to gain hands-on experience. This practical knowledge will not only enhance your understanding of the environment you'll be working in but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest research and trends in machine learning and control theory. Being able to discuss recent breakthroughs or relevant case studies during your interview can showcase your passion and expertise in the subject matter.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £150k + 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 and AI applications.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience with modeling, simulation, and control systems. Mention any projects or roles where you've utilized machine learning, reinforcement learning, or Python programming.
Showcase Your Passion for AI and Agriculture: Express your enthusiasm for using AI to solve real-world problems, particularly in agriculture. Discuss any relevant experiences or interests that align with Optimal's goals of improving crop yields and resource efficiency.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application materials to reflect the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to demonstrate your fit for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimal Agriculture
✨Understand the Role and Company
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Optimal's mission and the specifics of the AI Simulation and Control Engineer role. Familiarize yourself with their technology, especially how AI is applied in high-tech greenhouses.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with modeling, simulation, and control techniques. Highlight any projects where you've used ML-based methods or reinforcement learning, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to greenhouse operations. Think about how you would adapt simulation models or improve AI performance based on real-time data.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Engage with your interviewers by asking questions that show your interest in the company's future. Inquire about their plans for scaling AI solutions and how they envision overcoming challenges in the greenhouse sector.
