Lead Engineer, Projects

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our founders, food industry veterans Mike and Tisha, knew that food wasn't what it used to be, so they wanted to make it better - by creating a new kind of farm. A farm that grows up to 300 times more food than an ordinary farm on a smaller footprint, without a drop of pesticides. Farms powered with 100% renewable energy, growing with 95% less water and delivering food within 48 hours for longer freshness for our customers and less food waste.

80 Acres Farms is a vertical farming leader, operating commercial farms in Ohio, Kentucky, and soon-to-be Georgia in addition to research and development farms in Arkansas and The Hague, Netherlands. All farms utilize state-of-the-art technology and analytics developed by the Company's subsidiary, Infinite Acres.

80 Acres Farms branded salads, microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes are available at retailers and food service distributors, including Kroger, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, Dorothy Lane Markets, Sysco, and US Foods from Michigan to Florida. 80 Acres Farms is supported by world-class investors and partners, including General Atlantic, Siemens, Barclays, Ocado, Priva, and Signify/Philips.

If you're interested in making a difference, join our team in changing how the world eats.

Position Overview

This position reports to the VP of Engineering with a strong dotted reporting line to the Director of Agronomy Research & Development. Working with a cross functional team including Engineering, R&D, D&T and Operations this role is responsible for developing projects from inception at R&D through scale up in our production farms, to achieve and sustain "best in class" vertical farm processes delivering world class results in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.

This position will help close the gap between R&D, D&T, operations, and engineering to achieve a seamless technical community that works effectively on a variety of projects. This role will also work closely all functional teams including plant operations and maintenance teams to ensure future projects are both cost effective and reliable, and adhere to all local, state, and federal, policies, codes, and regulations.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Quality: Improve process capability to deliver a reduction in defects and variability. Identify, develop, and implement products, processes, systems, and procedures to achieve business objectives and adhere to FDA and SQF regulations

• Safety: Promotes and participates in loss control management by utilizing Modern Safety Management Principles, World Class Manufacturing Principles, and compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations

• Environmental: Work with HS&E to comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations as defined by policies, procedures, employee training, and site subject matter experts

• Lead the initiation, design and development of manufacturing systems, converting, and supporting processes to achieve company objectives

• Technical Knowledge: Develop knowledge and skills to be recognized for expertise and guidance in application of engineering and operational principles

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems. Be capable of managing general, mechanical and electrical contractors as needed

• Identify key opportunities through driving continuous improvement and best practices to improve efficiencies across vertical farms, manufacturing, and quality throughout operations

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of building and facilities construction and maintenance. Be capable of managing building contractors

• Manage individual project capital budget. This includes developing the capital plan and overseeing capital spending to insure the plan is executed within budget

• Understand and apply "best practices" strategies and tactics related to vertical farm and equipment reliability

• Work closely with all department leaders to establish priorities and needs related to R&D projects

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in engineering or equivalent experience

• Advanced training and/or experience with high performance teams and equipment reliability programs

• Extensive experience working with diverse cross functional teams to drive the business results forward

• Ability to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of diverse projects

• 2-3 years minimum of technical experience in automated food manufacturing and vertical farming environment preferred

• Understanding of Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques applied to automated processes and production equipment

• Solid understanding of industrial electrical and mechanical systems

• Solid understanding of industrial systems including Siemens PLC, HVAC, lighting and water distribution

• General understanding of metallurgy related to the materials of construction used in manufacturing processes and equipment fabrication

• Must be a person of professional integrity that is detail oriented, self-motivated, and capable of achieving expected results while working with minimal supervision

• General understanding of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), and Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) systems

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and interpersonal skills

• Excellent planning and organizational skills

• Ability to be resourceful, demonstrate business acumen, creative thinking skills and able to make accurate decisions in a timely manner

• Ability to communicate general and technical information to all levels of the facility and the broader business organization in English via written and verbal means

BENEFITS WE OFFER YOU

• Health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one of employment- Health insurance plans start at $6/month

• Paid Time Off- Minimum of 2 weeks

• 1-week paid health & wellness time

• 10 paid holidays

• Parental leave

• Annual Tuition Reimbursement

• 401k with up to 4% company match

• Company-paid life insurance

• Short and long-term disability insurance

ABOUT OUR HIRING PRACTICES

Statistics show that underrepresented communities don't apply for a job unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. Don't worry if you think you can't check every box on the list; we'll provide all the on-the-job training you need.
80 Acres Farms is an equal opportunity employer. You're defined by more than just your job title, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing your true self to work. We value your talents, your traditions, your take on the world, and everything else that makes you unique. We strive to be to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work.
80 Acres Farms participates in E-Verify. As required by law, your employment with the Company is contingent upon you providing legal proof of your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics. All candidates will be given the same consideration.