Remote Hydroponics Systems Engineer - Sustainable Agriculture Tech

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,477,000 - 2,133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work

Online training access

Health coverage

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Hydroponics Systems Engineer to design, optimize, and troubleshoot advanced hydroponic setups from a home office. You will work with horticulturalists, software developers, and R&D teams to enhance crop yield and resource efficiency.

The role emphasizes independent work, strong engineering fundamentals, and staying abreast of CEA tech. A fully remote position offers collaboration across a global team and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of hydroponic or controlled environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize hydroponic systems including nutrient delivery, lighting, climate control, and water management components.
• Create detailed schematics, P&IDs, and technical specifications for installations and retrofits.
• Collaborate with R&D to test and integrate new technologies and equipment.
• Conduct performance analysis and remote troubleshooting of systems.
• Develop protocols for system operation, maintenance, and monitoring.
• Stay current with advancements in hydroponics, automation, and sustainable practices.
• Work with software engineers to integrate sensors and control systems for data logging.
• Prepare technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials.
• Participate in virtual meetings and contribute to project planning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of hydroponic designs and efficiencies.

Skills

CAD

Control systems

Data acquisition

Analytical

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Agri/Environmental Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of developing innovative controlled environment agriculture (CEA) solutions, with a strong focus on hydroponics. We are seeking a talented Hydroponics Systems Engineer to join our globally distributed team. This fully remote position requires a deep understanding of hydroponic system design, operation, and optimization. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and troubleshooting advanced hydroponic setups for commercial and research applications. The ideal candidate is passionate about sustainable agriculture, possesses strong engineering principles, and thrives in a collaborative, remote work environment. You will work closely with our horticulturalists, software developers, and R&D teams to engineer state-of-the- art systems that maximize crop yield, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of food production by leveraging technology to create more efficient and resilient agricultural systems, all from your home office. Our client is committed to innovation and providing employees with the tools and support needed to succeed in a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize hydroponic systems, including nutrient delivery, lighting, climate control, and water management components.
• Create detailed engineering schematics, P&IDs, and technical specifications for new hydroponic installations and retrofits.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to test and integrate new technologies and equipment into existing or proposed systems.
• Conduct performance analysis and troubleshooting of hydroponic systems, identifying root causes of issues and implementing effective solutions remotely or through site visits when necessary.
• Develop protocols for system operation, maintenance, and monitoring to ensure optimal plant growth and resource efficiency.
• Stay current with advancements in hydroponics, CEA technologies, automation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Work closely with software engineers to integrate sensors and control systems for automated environmental management and data logging.
• Prepare technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials for system operation and maintenance.
• Participate in virtual project meetings, providing technical expertise and contributing to project planning and execution.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of hydroponic system designs and operational efficiencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, implementation, or operation of hydroponic or other controlled environment agriculture systems.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, plant physiology, and nutrient solutions.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for system design and drafting.
• Experience with control systems, sensors, automation, and data acquisition in agricultural settings.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, effective in a remote team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Solid home office setup with reliable high-speed internet connectivity.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings options, and significant paid time off. Employees benefit from a flexible remote work schedule, allowing for excellent work-life balance. Our client invests in its employees' growth, providing access to online training, virtual conferences, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in the sustainable agriculture technology sector. Join a forward-thinking company revolutionizing food production through innovation.