Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 £140k, 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, simulation, control, and software engineering, especially Python.
- Other info: Opportunity to visit advanced greenhouses and collaborate with agronomy experts in a fast-paced environment.
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 control systems, especially those related to agricultural applications. Understanding how AI can optimize greenhouse operations will give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural tech space, particularly those involved in AI and simulation. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights into the challenges and innovations in high-tech greenhouses.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience with Python and relevant AI coding tools like Copilot or Cursor. Being proficient in these technologies will not only enhance your skill set but also demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in sustainable agriculture and climate change impacts on food systems. This knowledge will help you align your expertise with Optimal's mission and showcase your passion for the field.
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: Before applying, take some time to understand Optimal's mission and the impact of their AI technology on high-tech greenhouses. This knowledge will help you tailor your application to align with their goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience with modeling, simulation, and control systems. Be specific about any projects or roles where you've used Python or worked with AI coding tools.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working in a fast-growing startup environment and your commitment to improving agricultural practices through technology. Mention any relevant personal projects or interests that demonstrate this passion.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the AI Simulation and Control Engineer role. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out.
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 AI technology 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 Company's Vision
Research Optimal's mission and recent developments in the field of AI for agriculture. Familiarize yourself with their current projects and partnerships, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals of increasing greenhouse productivity and sustainability.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the specific challenges they face in deploying AI in greenhouses, the technologies they are currently using, or how they measure success in their projects. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
