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: