PLPM - Terra Project

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.