Senior Hydroponics Systems Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Hydroponics Systems Engineer in Port Elizabeth to lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced hydroponic farms. The role blends on-site engineering with remote analysis to drive efficiency and scalability across facilities.

You will work with plant scientists and growers to optimize nutrient delivery, environmental control, and automation, while managing projects, budgets, and timelines in a dynamic hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant engineering field with hydroponics specialization.
• 6+ years designing and operating large-scale hydroponic systems.
• Knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement hydroponic systems including nutrient delivery and environmental control.
• Oversee installation, commissioning of new hydroponic farms and optimization of existing systems.
• Develop and troubleshoot control systems for lighting, climate and nutrient management.
• Collaborate with plant scientists and growers to meet crop needs.
• Conduct performance analysis, data logging and reporting on system efficiency.
• Research new technologies and manage engineering projects within budget and timelines.
• Ensure safety standards compliance and provide training to farm ops teams.

Skills

Hydroponics design

Agricultural engineering

Control systems

Data logging

Automation

Project management

Hybrid work

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Plant physiology

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural/Mechanical/Environmental Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering urban agriculture company based in **Port Elizabeth**, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Hydroponics Systems Engineer. This role is crucial for the design, development, implementation, and optimization of advanced hydroponic growing systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in agricultural engineering, fluid dynamics, automation, and plant physiology, with a specific focus on large-scale hydroponic operations. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of our hydroponic farms, contributing to the sustainable production of high-quality produce. This hybrid role allows for a blend of on-site engineering work and remote analysis, fostering innovation and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and implement state-of-the-art hydroponic systems, including nutrient delivery, environmental control, and automation.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new hydroponic farm installations.
• Optimize existing hydroponic systems for increased yield, resource efficiency (water, nutrients), and reduced operational costs.
• Develop and troubleshoot control systems for lighting, climate, and nutrient management (pH, EC).
• Collaborate with plant scientists and growers to ensure systems meet the specific needs of various crops.
• Conduct performance analysis, data logging, and reporting on system efficiency and crop yields.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and equipment for hydroponic farming.
• Manage engineering projects, including budget, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Ensure systems comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to farm operations teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in hydroponics or controlled environment agriculture.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in designing, building, and operating large-scale hydroponic systems.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for system design.
• Experience with environmental control systems (HVAC, lighting, CO2) in controlled environments.
• Knowledge of plant physiology and nutrient requirements for various horticultural crops.
• Familiarity with automation, sensors, and data acquisition systems used in agriculture.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with experience working in a hybrid setting.
• Based in or willing to commute to **Port Elizabeth** for on-site requirements.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a retirement fund. This hybrid role provides a flexible work arrangement, balancing remote work with essential on-site engineering tasks. Opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences and specialized training, are provided. Employees are encouraged to contribute to innovative projects and have a direct impact on the company's growth. Performance bonuses are available based on project success and system optimization. The company fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture focused on sustainable food production.