What you’ll love about us

If you’re a plant-loving people-person who’s got what it takes to build a brilliant working environment, then we want to meet you. But first, a bit about us…

We’re a full-scale, energy-saving, B-Corp certified, sustainably powered vertical farm. We’re on a mission to transform the farming system forever, so that everyone can afford tasty nutritious food, that doesn’t cost the earth. Literally.

In other words: we boldly grow where no one has grown before. Our state-of-the-art salad leaves are made possible by an incredible team of rocket scientists (see what we did there?), engineers, leaf whisperers, and a root network of fabulous people. Which brings us onto the Leaf Lab…

The Leaf Lab

The Leaf Lab, located just outside Cambridge, is home to our Innovative R&D activities. At the Leaf Lab, we are on a mission to constantly improve how we grow plants for existing customers alongside identifying new varieties that solve genuine customer problems. We look at all elements of the production process, from plant genetics to how we handle our products after they have been packed. We ensure we give our customers the best possible outcomes with the lowest environmental impact.

The Leaf Lab team has the following values:

Explore: Finding the world’s best plants

We believe the world's best plants are the key to unlocking a sustainable and vibrant future. We want to find the best way to grow plants that solve real-world problems, improve lives, and protect our planet.

Innovate: Leading the world in plant science

At the forefront of plant science, our team is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that harness the power of the world's most exceptional plants. Join us as we find innovative and creative ways to lead the way in sustainable agriculture, creating a brighter future for our planet and its inhabitants.

Collaborate: Changing the world through teamwork

To go fast, you go alone; to go far, you go together. To do great things, you need to work with great people and great teamwork is at the core. We value the ability to work independently rather than being a team player.

Create: Bringing to life the future of growing

We are committed to delivering innovative solutions. We take ground-breaking ideas and turn them into real-world solutions, revolutionising the future of growing.

Your Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Maintenance Engineer to join our cutting-edge Vertical Farm Research and Development (R&D) facility, the Leaf Lab. As a Maintenance Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and ongoing improvement of our growing systems. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining the facility's equipment, optimising processes, and contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. You will also contribute to the installation and implementation of new equipment and provide guidance to the Leaf Lab Team to ensure they are following proper equipment operation and safety procedures.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-growing company that is making a positive impact on the world. If you are an inventive and driven individual with experience in maintenance engineering, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities:

Equipment Maintenance:

• Conduct routine inspections, diagnostics, and maintenance of vertical farming equipment, including hydroponic systems, LED lighting, HVAC systems, irrigation systems, and controls.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation of the facility.

Preventive Maintenance:

• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance schedule for all equipment and systems to prevent breakdowns and optimize performance.
• Monitor equipment performance metrics and use data-driven insights to adjust maintenance strategies.

Repairs and Upgrades:

• Perform repairs and upgrades to equipment and systems as needed, utilizing your mechanical and electrical skills.
• Conduct electrical tests and fault find. Have knowledge of Lock off/Tag out, Isolation Procedures, Fault location on a Common Control system and testing and verification of common Proximity Sensors.
• Collaborate with the R&D team to implement modifications and enhancements to the systems for increased efficiency and productivity.

Documentation:

• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, upgrades, and equipment performance metrics.
• Create engineering operating procedures, and update documentation for maintenance procedures, training & troubleshooting guides, and equipment specifications.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with the R&D team to provide insights on equipment performance and contribute to the development of new farming technologies and ensuring seamless integration of maintenance activities with overall facility operations.

Health and Safety:

• Adhere to strict safety protocols and procedures while performing maintenance tasks.
• Identify potential safety hazards and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on the latest advancements in vertical farming technology and contribute innovative ideas for improving equipment performance and overall facility efficiency.

• You have a Time Served Engineering Apprenticeship or post-apprenticeship skill level.
  
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You have experience working in Manufacturing in a food production or Agri-Tech facility.
• You have core Engineering skills, background in Maintenance, Mechanical/Electrical.
• You have demonstrable experience of food hygiene.
• You have an awareness of project management tools and techniques.
• You enjoy fast-paced working and collaborating with like-minded individuals.
• Strong communication skills are pivotal to our success. You’ve developed top-notch listening and relationship-building skills.
• You have a proactive approach where you take the initiative, and great attention to detail.
• Experienced in using Microsoft Office (Word/Excel & PowerPoint)

• Competitive annual salary
• Annual bonus based on company, team and personal performance
• Employee incentivisation scheme
• 25 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Pension (5% employer contribution)
• Employee benefits programme
• Employee assistance programme
• Home office equipment allowance