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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, backed by top industry leaders.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £150k, equity options, and the chance to impact global food systems.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team tackling climate change and food security through innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Seeking ambitious engineers skilled in modeling, simulation, and control, with Python expertise.
- Other info: Opportunity to work directly with advanced greenhouse technologies and make a 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.
Optimal Agriculture | 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 Optimal Agriculture | AI Simulation and Control Engineer (up to £150k + equity)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in AI and control systems, especially in the context of agriculture. Understanding how AI can optimize greenhouse operations will give you a significant edge during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the agricultural technology sector. Engaging with experts and attending relevant conferences can provide insights into industry challenges and innovations, which will be valuable in your role at Optimal.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience with simulation models and control frameworks. Working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives related to AI in agriculture can showcase your skills and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in high-tech greenhouses and their impact on food security and climate change. Demonstrating your knowledge about these critical issues during interviews will highlight your commitment to our mission at Optimal.
We think you need these skills to ace Optimal Agriculture | 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 high-tech greenhouses, to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your experience in modeling, simulation, and control systems. Be specific about your proficiency in Python and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in AI and machine learning.
Showcase Your Passion for Agriculture and AI: Express your enthusiasm for using AI to improve agricultural practices. Mention any personal projects or research that align with Optimal's goals, demonstrating your commitment to the field.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that connects your background to the job description. Discuss how your skills can contribute to Optimal's mission and mention your eagerness to be part of a fast-growing startup.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimal Agriculture
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of Optimal's mission and the impact of their AI technology on high-tech greenhouses. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Showcase Relevant Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with modeling, simulation, and control systems. Highlight any projects where you've used ML-based methods or reinforcement learning, as these are crucial for the role. Bring examples that showcase your proficiency in Python and any familiarity with tools like Copilot.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Optimal is looking for an ambitious engineer who can tackle complex challenges. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully solved technical problems, particularly in fast-paced environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's current projects, future goals, and the integration of AI in greenhouse operations. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture and objectives align with your career aspirations.
