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- Tasks: Develop and deploy AI agents for high-tech greenhouses, optimising crop yields and resource use.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge startup backed by leaders from Google DeepMind and Meta.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £125k, equity options, and a chance to shape the future of agriculture.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-growing team with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food systems while working with advanced AI technology.
- Qualifications: Strong skills in Machine Learning, Control, and software engineering, especially in Python.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 125000 £ per year.
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, a Board Member at Meta, as well as early VCs in SpaceX, Anduril, and Palantir. We have already built the world’s most advanced AI control for high-tech greenhouses and have proven breakthrough performance in customer greenhouses. We are actively scaling to more greenhouses and have signed integration partnerships allowing us to access 75% of the world’s greenhouses.
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 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 a Founding AI Simulation and Control Engineer, you will have direct responsibility for the development and deployment of Optimal's AI agents at the most advanced greenhouses in the world. 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.
- Deploy LLM agents to interact with customers and autonomously manage Optimal's AI control.
- 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
- Strong background in at least one of Machine Learning, Optimisation, Control (Model Predictive Control, Optimal Control, and classical feedback techniques), Reinforcement Learning, Physics Modelling and Numerical Simulation.
- Experience training Machine Learning models.
- Experience creating and deploying LLM agents and workflows.
- AI-native coding.
- Software engineering in Python (Julia is a bonus).
- Software engineering processes and tools (containers, version control, deployments etc).
Compensation
Salary: £70k – £125k
Equity: 0.5% – 5.0%
Founding AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £125k + equity) in London employer: Optimal Agriculture
Contact Detail:
Optimal Agriculture Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £125k + equity) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects related to AI, machine learning, or control systems. This gives us a chance to see your work in action and understand how you can contribute to our mission at Optimal.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios specific to AI and control engineering. We want to see how you think on your feet, so don’t shy away from discussing your thought process and problem-solving strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to revolutionise greenhouse technology.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £125k + equity) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and its potential to revolutionise industries shine through. We want to see that you’re not just skilled, but genuinely excited about the impact your work can have on high-tech greenhouses and food security.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in machine learning, optimisation, and control systems. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications and passion without wading through fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Optimal!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimal Agriculture
✨Know Your AI Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI, especially in areas like Machine Learning and Control Systems. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in real-world scenarios, particularly in relation to agricultural technology or similar fields.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Optimal is looking for someone who can adapt and innovate, so highlight your experience with simulation models and deploying AI solutions.
✨Understand the Greenhouse Ecosystem
Familiarise yourself with the workings of high-tech greenhouses and their importance in agriculture. Being able to discuss how AI can enhance crop yields and resource efficiency will show your genuine interest in the role and the company's mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Optimal's current projects and future goals. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations. Think about how you can contribute to their vision of transforming greenhouse operations.