Technical Lead - Labor Automation Solutions in the Horticulture Industry (f/m/x)

Your Role

Are you passionate about driving robotic solutions through artificial intelligence?

We are in search of an experienced, motivated, inquisitive, and results-oriented individual to be the Technical Lead in our newly formed AgTech department. ZEISS started a large strategic initiative to leverage our capabilities to bring labor automation solutions to high-end greenhouses, with an initial focus on robotics. Therefore, we established a dedicated team to drive this effort with a start-up like mindset within ZEISS.

As the selected candidate, you will play a crucial role in leading the technology and product development activities, establishing technology and platform strategy, guiding R&D teams, and foster technology partnerships. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential combined with a strong focus on customer-oriented product development and hands-on mentality. Primary responsibilities include:

• Develop and oversee technology strategy and full system engineering

• Provide technical leadership to R&D teams, steering activities, and ensuring alignment of all technical efforts

• Translate customer needs into technical requirements

• Build and lead a technical team, including hiring, onboarding, mentorship, and coaching

• Oversee product development and closely collaborate with business development and product management

• Manage technology partnerships and vendors

• Evaluate technological solutions of competition and benchmark them

• Define IP strategy

• Stay updated on general technology trends outside of horticulture that might be relevant in the future

• Support recruiting of tech talent

• Support and shape the overall vision for AgTech at ZEISS

Your Profile

• A degree with excellent grades in natural science or engineering, - PhD or MBA as a plus

• Proven track record with experience as a tech lead / lead system engineer for automation solutions with focus on robotics and machine learning gained during the last 7 years

• Deep technical expertise and curiosity to keep track with new innovations and how they can be applied for our products

• Experience in designing systems that combine AI/ML and robotics, experience in image processing a plus

• Experience in leading and steering complex technical projects as a project manager

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the aptitude to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders

• Keen interest in investigating complex problems and drive labor automation solutions

• A resourceful team player with a willingness to help others succeed

• Proficiency in English, both in written and spoken communication. German is a plus

At ZEISS, we value innovation, collaboration, and a passion for driving change. If you are ready to take on this exciting role and contribute to the future of labor automation solutions in high-end greenhouses, we look forward to receiving your application.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: