Head of Mechanical Engineering

An exceptional Ag-tech /Food-tech startup is looking for a Head of Mechanical Engineering.

The position has a significant growth horizon and offers a rare opportunity to join a young company that is addressing a “blue ocean” global opportunity.

Join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and biologists to tackle the most burning questions of the ag-tech and food-tech industries.

The company headquarter is in Tel Aviv.

As the Head of Mechanical Engineering, you will lead our mechanical engineering team within the R&D department. You will be responsible for managing the entire mechanical development process, from design and prototyping to testing and implementation. While most of the work is conducted in-house, you will also oversee collaborations with subcontractors, especially in facilities development. The ideal candidate will ensure the smooth integration of mechanical systems with farm operations, monitor project timelines, and provide expert guidance and support to the team.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:

·      Lead and manage the mechanical engineering team within the R&D department, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.

·      Allocate tasks and ensure timely delivery of high-quality results.

·      Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with other R&D teams such as process engineering and biology teams.

Mechanical Design & Development:

· Oversee in-house mechanical development, including:

• Plastic injection molding
• Machining and custom part design
• Design for cost reduction and manufacturability

·      Provide innovative solutions for optimizing mechanical designs related to fluid dynamics and system integration.

·      Ensure that mechanical designs meet technical and functional requirements, particularly for the farm’s modular systems.

Subcontractor Collaboration:

·      Work closely with subcontractors, especially for facilities development and larger projects that complement in-house work.

·      Ensure subcontractor projects align with the farm’s technical specifications, quality standards, and timelines.

·      Manage communication, coordination, and oversight of subcontractor work, ensuring it integrates smoothly with internal projects.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

·      Collaborate with the process team to ensure smooth integration of mechanical systems across all stages, from seeding to packaging.

·      Work closely with the system engineers and project manager to ensure mechanical designs support automation and efficiency goals.

Project & Timeline Management:

·      Track progress on mechanical engineering projects and ensure alignment with overall project timelines.

·      Coordinate with project managers, system engineers, and subcontractors to maintain momentum and meet deadlines.

·      Identify potential risks and implement strategies to ensure timely project completion.

Process Improvement & Cost Reduction:

·      Lead initiatives for cost reduction across mechanical development, focusing on material efficiency and process optimization.

·      Evaluate existing mechanical systems for potential improvements in performance, cost, and scalability.

Quality Control & Testing:

·      Ensure all mechanical designs are thoroughly tested and validated to meet the farm’s quality and safety standards.

·      Oversee prototype development and testing to ensure successful transition to production.

Documentation & Reporting:

·      Ensure proper documentation of all mechanical designs, modifications, and testing procedures.

·      Provide regular updates to the system engineer and project manager regarding the status of mechanical projects.

Qualifications:

·      Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

·      Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably within R&D or industries such as manufacturing, plastic injection molding, or fluid dynamics.

·      Experience leading engineering teams and collaborating with subcontractors.

·      Strong track record in cost reduction, process optimization, and managing in-house and subcontracted development projects.

Skills:

·      Expertise in mechanical design, fluid dynamics, plastic injection molding, and machining processes.

·      Proficiency in CAD software and mechanical design tools.

·      Excellent project management skills, with experience in tracking timelines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

·      Strong problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

·      Excellent communication skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors.

·      Preferred Qualifications:

·      Experience in controlled-environment agriculture or high-tech manufacturing.

·      Hands-on experience with fluid systems, pumps, and valves.

·      Familiarity with mechanical design for modular systems like vertical farming.