At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering projects that drive sustainable agriculture and innovation.
- Company: Join Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural technology and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while advancing your tech skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python or Java, software architecture, and mentoring junior engineers.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow productively and sustainably. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 17,900 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.
We are looking for a Staff Engineer, Decision Support & Planning Optimization to lead knowledge-management applications supporting regulatory compliance, product submissions and audit-ready information flows. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced technology and agricultural R&D, partnering with engineers, product leaders and scientific stakeholders on capabilities with real-world impact. Help accelerate the digital capabilities that support more sustainable agriculture and scientific innovation.
What You'll Do
- Lead and apply deep expertise in Python or Java backend engineering to deliver durable, scalable outcomes.
- Lead and apply deep expertise in software architecture and API design to deliver durable, scalable outcomes.
- Lead and apply deep expertise in document ingestion and retrieval patterns to deliver durable, scalable outcomes.
- Lead and apply deep expertise in text embeddings and retrieval-oriented workloads to deliver durable, scalable outcomes.
- Lead and apply deep expertise in AI-assisted engineering with rigorous review to deliver durable, scalable outcomes.
- Lead and apply deep expertise in React or Angular awareness to deliver durable, scalable outcomes.
- Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
- Design and implement comprehensive testing strategies, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end validation for knowledge management systems.
- Establish and enforce security best practices and compliance standards throughout the development lifecycle to ensure audit-ready systems.
- Optimize system performance and scalability, identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions to support growing data volumes and user demands.
- Collaborate across engineering, product and scientific teams to translate complex needs into practical solutions.
- Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and knowledge repositories to support team alignment and future development.
- Set a high bar for quality, documentation and thoughtful use of AI-assisted engineering.
What You Bring
- Demonstrable experience in Python or Java backend engineering.
- Demonstrable experience in software architecture and API design.
- Demonstrable experience in document ingestion and retrieval patterns.
- Demonstrable experience in text embeddings and retrieval-oriented workloads.
- Demonstrable experience in AI-assisted engineering with rigorous review.
- Demonstrable experience in React or Angular awareness.
- Demonstrable experience in quality and documentation standards.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to influence across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven mentorship and team leadership experience with junior and mid-level engineers.
- Fluent English, written and spoken.
Bonus Points
- Experience in agriculture, life sciences, scientific computing, or a regulated enterprise environment.
- Experience building platforms, products, or services used by multiple internal teams.
- Experience working in distributed, international engineering organisations.
- Experience with knowledge management systems, enterprise content management, or information retrieval platforms.
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and audit-ready system design.
- Experience with cloud platforms and designing for scalability and performance optimization.
Site Details
Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety and technical support of our product range.
What we offer
- Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
- Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
- Flexible working.
- The opportunity to develop and apply your science within the chemical industry.
- The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector.
- Learning culture and wide range of training options.
Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal. Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Staff Engineer Decision Support & Planning Optimization in Bracknell employer: Syngenta Group
Syngenta-Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge where innovation meets sustainability. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes extensive training and professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. With a commitment to compliance and excellence in crop protection, working here means being part of a team that makes a meaningful impact on agriculture and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Engineer Decision Support & Planning Optimization in Bracknell
✨Network through Industry Events
Look out for agricultural engineering expos and trade shows – they're golden opportunities! Attend these events to meet professionals from companies like Syngenta Group and chat about their work. Being present in person can create connections that lead to job openings!
✨Join Agricultural Engineering Groups
Get involved in online communities and forums focused on agricultural engineering. Platforms like LinkedIn and specialised Facebook groups are great spots to join discussions, share insights, and even find job posts! Engaging with fellow enthusiasts can also lead to potential referrals.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects or relevant work you've done in agricultural engineering. Whether it's design work, projects from uni, or even side gigs, having a visual representation of your skills can really catch the eye of hiring managers at places like Syngenta Group.
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards
Besides company websites, check out niche job boards specific to agricultural engineering. Sites like AgCareers or Engineering Jobs can have listings that align with roles at Syngenta Group. Applying through various channels increases your chances of landing that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Engineer Decision Support & Planning Optimization in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:In agricultural engineering, it's all about practical experience. Highlight any projects or internships you've been involved in that showcase your skills in machinery, crop management, or sustainability practices. Use specifics to give us a clear picture of what you've accomplished and how it relates to the role at Syngenta Group.
Get Technical with Your CV:Make sure your CV showcases technical competencies relevant to agricultural engineering. List any specific software tools or engineering techniques you're familiar with, as well as any certifications related to agricultural practices or environmental regulations. This gives us a good insight into your skill set for the Staff Engineer Decision Support & Planning Optimization position.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Our Values:When writing your cover letter, take the time to reflect on how your personal values align with those of Syngenta Group. We want to see your passion for sustainable agriculture and how your engineering background can help us achieve our goals. Share what motivates you in this field, and let your personality shine through!
Don't Forget About Your Portfolio:If you've worked on design or engineering projects, consider including a portfolio to back up your application. This could be anything from photos of completed projects to detailed reports or analyses you've done. It’s an excellent way to visually demonstrate your skills and help us see your potential fit for the full-time Staff Engineer Decision Support & Planning Optimization role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Syngenta Group
✨Master Your Technical Know-How
As an agricultural engineering candidate, you need to showcase your understanding of key concepts like irrigation systems, soil mechanics, and machinery design. Brush up on technical questions that could come your way, especially those related to recent advancements in agricultural technology, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in real-world situations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Highlight specific examples where you solved complex engineering problems, particularly those relevant to agriculture. Think about challenges you’ve faced during projects or your coursework and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes; interviewers will love to see your practical experience in action.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio of Projects
Having a portfolio can be a game changer for a full-time role in agricultural engineering. Showcase any relevant projects you've worked on—be they internships, academic assignments, or personal projects. Make sure to highlight the tools and techniques you used and how they can be applicable to the role at Syngenta Group.
✨Understand the Industry Trends
Get clued up on the latest trends affecting agricultural engineering, like automation, sustainability practices, and precision agriculture. This shows your passion for the field and helps you to discuss how your skills can contribute to Syngenta Group’s goals in navigating these trends.