On-Farm Operations Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex
On-Farm Operations Engineer

On-Farm Operations Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex

Chelmsford +1 Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deploy and improve autonomous agricultural robots on farms, ensuring safe and effective operations.
  • Company: Join Antobot, a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, hands-on experience, and impact on sustainable farming.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of robotics and AI, making a real difference in agriculture.
  • Qualifications: Experience in robotics or field engineering; problem-solving and communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Antobot is seeking an On-Farm Operations Engineer to deploy, operate, and continuously improve our autonomous agricultural robotics systems across commercial farms in the UK and internationally. This is a hands-on engineering role at the forefront of agricultural innovation, combining robotics, software, hardware, AI scouting, and UV-C crop health technology to deliver measurable agronomic and sustainability outcomes.

You will ensure our robotic systems operate safely, reliably, and effectively in real farming environments while contributing directly to product innovation, operational scaling, and the transition toward more sustainable crop production.

This role sits at the intersection of:

  • Robotics and AI innovation
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Real-world farm operations
  • Customer deployment and product evolution

Antobot’s technology supports:

  • Reduced pesticide reliance and chemical inputs
  • Improved crop resilience and yield stability
  • Lower environmental footprint of crop protection
  • Data-driven, precision agriculture practices
  • Scalable automation addressing labour and sustainability challenges

This role directly contributes to delivering those outcomes on commercial farms.

Key Responsibilities

  • Commission autonomous robots on farms, including navigation setup, UV-C treatment systems, safety validation, and connectivity infrastructure
  • Support daily robot operation across multiple farm sites
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, and operational issues rapidly and effectively
  • Ensure consistent system uptime, treatment performance, and operational reliability
  • Configure autonomy software, mapping workflows, telemetry, and sensor integrations
  • Monitor operational data to optimise robot performance and reliability
  • Support AI scouting capabilities and environmental monitoring systems
  • Provide structured field feedback to software, robotics, and product teams
  • Maintain robots, UV-C systems, sensors, batteries, drivetrain components, and onboard electronics
  • Conduct preventative maintenance and field repairs
  • Support prototype testing, upgrades, and system validation
  • Assist with farm infrastructure integration (charging, connectivity, navigation aids)
  • Identify operational insights that drive product refinement and engineering improvements
  • Support testing of new hardware, software, and experimental capabilities
  • Contribute to SOP development, optimisation strategies, and scaling frameworks
  • Translate real-world agricultural complexity into actionable product improvements
  • Help evolve Antobot’s systems to scalable commercial platforms
  • Train farm staff on safe and effective robot operation
  • Translate technical performance into clear agronomic and economic value
  • Capture structured grower feedback to inform product development
  • Build trusted long-term relationships with customers and partners

Safety and Compliance

Safety is critical when deploying autonomous agricultural robots, particularly with UV-C systems. The Operations Engineer will ensure safe operation on farms, implement UV-C safety protocols, support regulatory compliance, and promote strong safety practices with customers and teams.

Travel & Operational Requirements (Essential)

  • Regular UK and international travel at short notice is a core requirement of this role, including extended on-farm deployments during peak agricultural periods
  • Must hold a full, valid UK driving licence and be comfortable driving in rural and agricultural environments
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied conditions
  • Flexibility to support evening or night operations where required (e.g. UV-C crop treatments)

Skills & Experience (Essential)

  • Experience in robotics, automation, field engineering, or similar technical deployment roles
  • Ability to troubleshoot both hardware and software systems in live environments
  • Strong practical engineering mindset and problem-solving ability
  • Excellent communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Willingness to work hands-on in agricultural settings

Highly Desirable

  • Agricultural, horticultural, or ag-tech experience
  • Familiarity with robotics autonomy frameworks, sensors, or embedded systems
  • Electronics, mechanical systems, or robotics integration experience
  • Data analysis or telemetry experience
  • Safety-critical systems or regulatory compliance exposure

Personal Attributes

  • Practical, resilient, and calm under operational pressure
  • Curious, adaptable, and technically versatile
  • Comfortable working with emerging technology and ambiguity
  • Strong ownership mentality
  • Motivated by sustainability, innovation, and real-world impact

Why Join Antobot

You’ll be helping deploy one of the most impactful applications of robotics:

  • Reducing chemical inputs in agriculture
  • Supporting sustainable food production
  • Improving farm productivity and resilience
  • Advancing autonomous agricultural systems at scale

This role offers the opportunity to shape both the operational deployment and future evolution of agricultural robotics.

Locations

Chelmsford Essex

On-Farm Operations Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex employer: ANTOBOT

Antobot is an exceptional employer that champions innovation in sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge robotics and AI technology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work hands-on in diverse environments, contribute to meaningful sustainability outcomes, and collaborate closely with customers and partners. Our supportive work culture fosters creativity and resilience, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a real-world impact in the agricultural sector.
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Contact Detail:

ANTOBOT Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land On-Farm Operations Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex

✨Tip Number 1

Get hands-on experience! If you can, volunteer or intern on farms that use robotics. This will not only boost your CV but also give you real-world insights that can impress potential employers.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Attend agricultural tech events and connect with industry professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be looking for someone just like you.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in tech or engineering roles. Employers love to see how you think on your feet.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in sustainable agriculture. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!

We think you need these skills to ace On-Farm Operations Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex

Robotics
Automation
Field Engineering
Troubleshooting Hardware and Software Systems
Practical Engineering Mindset
Problem-Solving Ability
Communication Skills
Agricultural Experience
Robotics Autonomy Frameworks
Sensor Integration
Data Analysis
Telemetry
Safety Protocols
Regulatory Compliance
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Agriculture: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture and robotics. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to innovation in this field.

Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to detail your technical skills and experiences that align with the role. Whether it's troubleshooting hardware or working with AI systems, we want to know how you can contribute to our mission.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!

How to prepare for a job interview at ANTOBOT

✨Know Your Tech

Familiarise yourself with the latest in robotics and AI, especially as it relates to agriculture. Be ready to discuss how you can troubleshoot hardware and software issues in real-world farming environments.

✨Show Your Hands-On Experience

Prepare examples from your past roles where you've deployed technology in field operations. Highlight any experience with maintenance, troubleshooting, or working directly with agricultural systems to demonstrate your practical skills.

✨Communicate Clearly

Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You'll need to convey technical performance to non-technical stakeholders, so being able to translate jargon into relatable language is key.

✨Emphasise Safety Awareness

Since safety is critical in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols, especially regarding UV-C systems. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and promoted safety practices.

On-Farm Operations Engineer in Chelmsford, Essex
ANTOBOT
Location: Chelmsford

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