Senior Hydroponics Systems Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Access to cutting-edge technology

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Hydroponics Systems Engineer for a Randburg-based AgTech company. You will lead the design, installation, commissioning and optimization of advanced hydroponic cultivation systems, covering nutrient delivery, environmental controls, automation and system integration.

You will work with growers, researchers and project managers, travel to hydroponic farm sites in Gauteng, and ensure safety, quality and performance targets are met across the lifecycle of each

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years designing and implementing hydroponic or controlled environment systems.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and control systems.
• Proficient CAD experience for system design and layouts.
• Experience with environmental control systems (HVAC, lighting, CO2) in CEA.
• Understanding of plant physiology and nutrient management in hydroponics.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer hydroponic systems including nutrient delivery, irrigation, lighting and environmental control.
• Select components, materials and equipment for hydroponic installations.
• Oversee installation, commissioning and integration of new systems.
• Conduct performance analysis, troubleshooting and optimization of operations.
• Develop and maintain schematics, manuals and SOPs.
• Collaborate with agronomists, growers and software developers to ensure efficacy.
• Research and evaluate new hydroponics and CEA technologies.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations and environmental practices.
• Provide technical expertise and client support to project teams.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Control systems

CAD software

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive agricultural technology company situated in **Randburg, Gauteng**, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Hydroponics Systems Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced hydroponic cultivation systems. This role is critical for developing efficient, scalable, and sustainable controlled environment agriculture (CEA) solutions. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of hydroponic systems, from conceptual design and component selection to installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance monitoring. The position requires a deep understanding of fluid dynamics, nutrient management, environmental controls (HVAC, lighting), automation, and system integration within hydroponic setups. You will work closely with growers, researchers, and project managers to ensure systems meet operational goals and client expectations. The role involves significant on‑site engagement at hydroponic farm locations, including those in or near **Randburg, Gauteng**, to oversee installations and troubleshoot complex technical challenges. Our client is at the forefront of vertical farming and CEA, and this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of food production through innovative engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer state-of-the-art hydroponic systems, including nutrient delivery, irrigation, lighting, and environmental control systems.
• Select and specify appropriate components, materials, and equipment for hydroponic installations.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and integration of new hydroponic systems.
• Conduct performance analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of existing hydroponic operations.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, manuals, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including agronomists, growers, and software developers, to ensure system efficacy.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and innovations in hydroponics and CEA.
• Ensure systems comply with relevant engineering standards, safety regulations, and environmental best practices.
• Provide technical expertise and support to project teams and clients.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of hydroponic or similar controlled environment agricultural systems.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and control systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software for system design and layout.
• Experience with environmental control systems (HVAC, lighting, CO2 enrichment) in CEA is essential.
• Understanding of plant physiology and nutrient management in hydroponic environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work hands‑on during installation and commissioning phases.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and industry certifications.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Access to cutting‑edge technology and innovative projects in the AgTech sector.
• Collaborative work environment with a focus on sustainable solutions.