Program Lead & Project Manager (PLPM) – Terra™ Project
Part‑time, unpaid during the early phase
Hybrid work model (remote and/or on‑site in Milan or Boston)
Travel and meeting expenses reimbursed upon approval
An NDA must be signed
This position may evolve into a full‑time Director of Environmental Systems or Program Director – Sustainability Technologies, based on performance and project growth.
About Institute Itech
Institute Itech is an early‑stage multinational company committed to building a new model of society grounded in education, advanced technology and social development.
We are launching several innovation projects, including:
- Memoria™ – AI‑powered MedTech platform for cognitive health and neuro‑assistive support
- Oxyleaf™ – Synthetic plant systems for urban energy and environmental regeneration
- Terra™ – Underground environmental sensor networks for soil, climate, agriculture and resource monitoring
- Whiteboard™ – Smart education platforms and digital‑native learning tools
- Polaris™ by IFE – AI platform for economic, geopolitical, and statistical intelligence
About the Role
We are seeking a Program Lead & Project Manager (PLPM) to lead the development, coordination, and execution of the Terra™ Project, a next‑generation environmental monitoring system based on underground intelligent sensor spheres deployed at depth.
The PLPM will oversee technical planning, scientific supervision, partner coordination, and execution strategy, ensuring that Terra™ evolves from concept to validated prototype and real‑world implementation.
Selected candidates will also join the Scientific Committee Board (SCB) of Institute Itech and may collaborate on additional projects (Oxyleaf™, Memoria™, Terra™, Whiteboard™, Polaris™) depending on expertise.
Responsibilities
- Lead the program roadmap and full project lifecycle of Terra™
- Coordinate scientific and engineering teams (environmental, mechanical, IoT, data science)
- Oversee development of underground sensor spheres, central units, and satellite / IoT communication
- Manage environmental data workflows, soil chemistry research, and agricultural monitoring frameworks
- Supervise prototyping, field testing, and environmental validation studies
- Build partnerships with research institutions, universities, agronomists, and industrial partners
- Ensure compliance with ethical, environmental, and regulatory standards
- Represent Terra™ in institutional, scientific, and investor contexts
- Work closely with the CEO and technical leadership on budget planning and execution strategy
Requirements
- Degree in Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Science, Geotechnical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related fields
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in R&D project management or environmental / IoT innovation
- Strong understanding of sensor systems, IoT networks, and environmental monitoring technologies
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and complex technical workflows
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Fluent in English (Italian is a plus)
- Ability to work across EU‑based operations (European presence required)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with soil chemistry, hydrology, agricultural engineering, or geophysics
- Knowledge of LoRaWAN, NB‑IoT, 5G, or satellite communication systems
- Experience with Horizon Europe or public funding structures
- Background in prototyping, field deployments, or environmental modelling
- Interest in long‑term leadership within sustainability and environmental technology
Benefits Provided
- Reimbursement of travel, meetings, and project‑related mobility
- Access to development tools, research platforms, and official institute accounts
- Strategic leadership role in a flagship environmental technology project
- Membership in the Scientific Committee Board (SCB)
- Possibility to collaborate across other innovation projects based on expertise
- Potential evolution into a senior‑level or C‑level environmental leadership role
How to Apply
- Send Your CV
- A short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, describing:
- Why you want to lead the Terra™ project
- Your experience in environmental or IoT‑based systems
- How you would structure and execute the program roadmap
- Email: in.oiap2025@institute.iite.eu
- Subject: WE2025 Job – Terra™ PLPM – [Name Surname]
Time Commitment
This is a non‑paid position during the startup phase, with a minimum commitment of 4–6 hours per week.
About the Candidate
We are looking for a visionary, structured, and technically competent leader ready to guide one of the most ambitious environmental R&D programs within Institute Itech.