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Multi-Skilled Engineer

GrowUp Farms

GrowUp Farms

Other Engineering
Cambridge, UK
Posted 6+ months ago

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.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Maintenance Engineer to join our team. This role involves ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of our vertical farming facilities and equipment through meticulous maintenance and innovative research and development. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining a safe working environment, enhancing equipment efficiency, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our farming technologies.

This role will be based on our Leaf Lab site, located outside of Cambridge, near Caldecote. This role could be accommodated either on a full or part time basis, and we're open to discussing flexibility around the days per week & hours.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance of Facilities and Equipment:

  • Conduct routine inspections of all equipment, including hydroponic systems, LED lighting, HVAC systems, irrigation systems, and controls.
  • Develop and implement a preventive maintenance schedule for all equipment and systems to prevent breakdowns and optimize performance.
  • Adhere to and amend the preventive maintenance schedule for the general building (fire alarms, emergency lighting, legionella testing), high care (HVAC, Lighting), and Growing Chambers (HVAC, Irrigation, General Sensors and Alarms, Lighting) as needed.
  • Monitor equipment performance metrics and use data-driven insights to adjust maintenance strategies.
  • Track and record equipment failures to understand the lifespan of key equipment and update the spare parts inventory accordingly.
  • Anticipate equipment replacement needs to prevent mid-trial failures and incorporate these into the maintenance schedule.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues promptly to minimize downtime and ensure continuous facility operation.
  • Supervise contractors during repairs if the problem cannot be resolved in-house.
  • Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, upgrades, and equipment performance metrics.
  • Create and update engineering operating procedures, maintenance documentation, training guides, and troubleshooting guides.

Health and Safety:

  • Regularly review and update current health and safety practices, identify potential hazards, and implement corrective actions.
  • Write and update risk assessments, train new staff on completing risk assessments, and inform the team of updates.
  • Adhere to strict safety protocols during maintenance tasks and model best practices for the team.
  • Keep up to date with changes in health and safety legislation and update site guidelines accordingly.

Continuous Improvements

  • Stay updated on the latest advancements in vertical farming technology and contribute innovative ideas for improving equipment performance and facility efficiency.
  • Perform timely upgrades to equipment and systems as needed.
  • Work closely with the R&D team to provide insights on equipment performance and contribute to the development of new farming technologies, ensuring seamless integration of maintenance activities with facility operations.